Description

Summary

The Colville School District is seeking to fill a paraeducator position working with high-need, socially, emotionally, adaptively, and behaviorally challenged students, inclusive of intellectually and/or physically disabled student(s) and students on the autism spectrum in a self-contained classroom, outside the class/building, in PE, and in all other school settings. This position will require the appropriate response to aggressive, unpleasant, socially inappropriate, and maladaptive behaviors (i.e., cussing, spitting, biting, hitting, kicking, scratching, and uninvited sharing of bodily fluids). Performs various instructional tasks and strategies in the classrooms to assist certified staff by performing the following duties in working with students individually or in small/large groups or structured settings. Duties will include instructional support for students needing behavior control, working with students individually or in small/large groups or structured settings, potentially performing 1:1 adult support work, behavior interventions with high-risk students and/or children with autism, implementing Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and/or Emergency Response Protocol (ERP) as required by the student IEP, and occupational or physical therapy support. Will perform required toileting, diapering, tube feeding, and assisting with personal hygiene. Will continue planned instructional activities during teachers’ temporary absence. Previous positive experience working with children with significant developmental, behavioral, emotional, and adaptive delays is preferred. This position requires candidates that are passionate about working with significantly challenged students within the scope of this job description.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work as a positive and collaborative member of the Colville School District staff to foster the primary goals of the Student Support Services Department.
• As directed by the certificated teacher/supervisor, provide individual direct instruction based upon individualized programs, implement instructional plans that motivate at-risk students, and manage classroom instruction and activities to ensure that student learning occurs.
• Maintain patience and understanding when working under stressful situations and physically assist disabled students.
• Help coordinate individual students' regular education, special education, and remedial education programs.
• Maintain student records as required, including data collection and entry.
• Assist with physical therapy and occupational therapy routines after training and then be supervised by a specialist, if applicable. Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
  • Transferring/lifting of students and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Positioning and facilitation of movement and range of motion.
  • Splint or orthotic placement/removal.
  • Assistance with activities of daily living (eg., feeding, toileting).
• May be required to perform emergency duties as delegated and trained by the school nurse, if applicable. Tasks will include, but are not limited to, the following (minimum 3 times daily):
  • Diapering; toileting routines; tube feeding.
  • Providing care for students/staff with potentially infectious illnesses.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students.
• Assist in providing classroom management and discipline, and maintain direct contact with students at all times.
• Work closely with the special education, Multiple-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), and regular education teachers and alert the teacher(s) to any problem or special information about an individual student.
• Assistance with physically aggressive behaviors, implementation of BIP/ERP, and use of de-escalation strategies are required.
• Supervise the lunchroom, locker room, and play fields at assigned times.
• Will assist and supervise students in the loading and unloading of buses for curricular and co-curricular activities.
• Attends in-service training and meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal.

(The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional related duties for the position. Not all duties assigned are included; not all duties listed are performed in every classroom every day.)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must be able to give chase if the student runs away from the immediate contact area.
• The employee must be able to return the student to the building/classroom if misbehaving.
• The employee must appropriately respond to aggressive, unpleasant, socially inappropriate, and maladaptive behaviors (i.e., occasional spitting, biting, hitting, kicking, scratching, and uninvited sharing of bodily fluids).
• The employee must be able to pick up and hold and/or restrain students, after receiving training, if needed for the safety of the student and others.
• The employee must be able to work with medically fragile children.
• The employee must exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally while carrying, pushing, and/or pulling to move objects.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unaided and may lift over 50 pounds with the assistance of another person and/or a lift assist.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit; do some stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching; and have significant fine finger dexterity.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The employee will regularly work in inside conditions and will include outside duties.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• The job is performed under conditions with exposure to the risk of injury and/or ordinary infectious diseases carried by students.
   

Salary & Benefits Schedule

The position follows the student calendar (summers off, Christmas break off, spring break off, etc.). The position includes a full, comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, long-term disability, and more. Information about benefits can be found here.

Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education/Training
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Complete and pass the ETS ParaPro Praxis Assessment as published by the Professional Education Standards Board (PESB) by the date of hire. (The ETS ParaPro assesses knowledge and skills in reading, writing, math, and assisting classroom instruction.) Colville School District will lead the incumbent through the testing process; however, a passing score must be achieved before the incumbent may begin in position.
  • Maintain a current First Aid/CPR card or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months.
  • First aid training will be provided by the district.
  • HIV/Hepatitis Bloodborne Pathogen trained or willingness to be promptly.
  • Satisfy the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) per the Professional Education Standards Board (PESB). 
• Skills/Abilities:
  • Understanding of child development and special needs of disabled children.
  • A favorable report of a state and national background check is required.
  • Demonstrates ability to model and monitor appropriate student behavior.
  • Maintains confidentiality and respect between students, parents, and teachers.
  • Previous experience working with students in an educational setting is highly preferred.
  • Previous experience working with children with significant disabilities is preferred.
  • Evidence of an interest in supporting learning experiences, with the ability to learn and perform the essential duties.
  • Ability to get along with students, staff, and the public.