TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Classified Salary Range

 

Benefits Available

 

 

Paraeducator Life Skills - One-on-One

Sage Point Elementary 

(1:1 student support)                             

6.50 hours per day/180 days per year

Shift time: (Monday) 9:45 - 3:45 (Tuesday-Friday) 8:30 - 3:45

Shift time is subject to building needs. 

 

PARAEDUCATOR LIFE SKILLS:  Coordinates activities or performs specialized duties to assist in providing instruction to and supervision of students with behavioral challenges in a variety of instructional and non-instructional programs, in both Special Education rooms and General Education rooms.

 

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

If you do not have the minimum college credits for this position, you may take the Paraeducator Assessment.  Complete this FORM if you'd like to be scheduled for the assessment.

1. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must have earned 72 college-level credits from an accredited institution of higher education, have a college degree, or be able to pass the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Assessment.
3. Previous experience working with students in both individual and small group instructional situations.
4. Working knowledge of education fundamentals; training and experience using current curriculum preferred.
5. Previous experience and/or training working with students in a classroom setting.
6. Must have proven ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced environment.
7. Must be able to manage large groups of students in an unstructured environment while maintaining a high level of safety.
8. Must have proven record of punctuality and consistent attendance.
9. Must be willing and able to assist students with personal management, including toileting, changing, eating, and other personal hygiene.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Work as part of the teaching team following the lesson plans and guidance of the teacher.
2. Help prepare and/or assemble teaching materials as requested by the teacher.
3. Assist teachers in supervisory tasks as assigned.
4. Assist teachers in administering tests, evaluating, and modifying student work in the context of a lesson.
5. Demonstrate ability to proficiently communicate with people using correct oral and written language.
6. Help pupils in basic fundamentals of reading, mathematics, writing, and self-help skills.
7. Follow and implement detailed behavior management plans.
8. Use appropriate interventions in handling student misbehavior.
9. Assist with student misbehavior requiring de-escalation techniques up to therapeutic holds.
10. Take directions and carry through on own without frequent supervision.
11. Demonstrate empathy and awareness of the needs of students.
12. Remain calm, patient, and flexible in trying situations.
13. Help students develop acceptable behavior patterns.
14. Observe and record student behavior and academic performance.
15. Learn and utilize various computer software programs and assistive technology.
16. Supervise students and maintain a harmonious atmosphere in all activities.
17. Supervise movement of students on school property.
18. Maintain a constant vigilance for safety
19. Exercise good judgment.
20. Maintain confidentiality of student records as required.
21. Enforce school and district policies.
22. Maintain good rapport with students and teachers.
23. Attend building/department staff meetings and inservice workshops as requested.
24. Maintain district assigned email account; read and respond to messages regularly.
25. Demonstrate adaptability, including changes to location, schedule, duties, and/or hours as enrollment and program changes occur.
26. Accept responsibility for assignments and outcomes.
27. Work cooperatively with other staff; maintain positive, respectful relationships and engagements.
28. Maintain punctuality and regular attendance.
29. Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS – 1:1 LIFE SKILLS PARAEDUCATOR (Medical Support)

1. Individualized Medical Support:
   Each 1:1 Life Skills Paraprofessional position with medical support is unique and tailored to meet the specific medical needs of the assigned student. The level and type of medical assistance provided will depend on the student’s individualized medical requirements, as directed by their healthcare plan and prescribed by the school nurse or physician. Support may include, but is not limited to, delegated healthcare tasks such as managing seizures, catheterization, diabetes management, or other specialized medical care.
2. Collaboration with Case Manager and School Nurse:
   The paraprofessional will work closely with both the student’s case manager and the school nurse to ensure medical needs are addressed in alignment with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and healthcare plan. Open, consistent communication with both the case manager and nurse is essential to coordinate care, share observations, and ensure student safety and success.
3. Delegated Medical Tasks:
   Under the direction and delegation of the school nurse (Registered Nurse), the paraprofessional will perform medical tasks such as:
   a. Supporting seizure management protocols.
   b. Assisting with catheterization and other personal medical care needs.
   c. Administering or monitoring diabetes care, including blood glucose checks and insulin management as delegated by the RN.
   d. Carrying out any other healthcare tasks as specified in the student’s medical plan.
4. Supporting Educational and Medical Goals:
   While addressing medical needs, the 1:1 paraprofessional will also work as part of the educational team, following the teacher’s lesson plans and providing assistance in both academic and self-help skills, ensuring the student can fully participate in learning to the best of their ability. This includes:
   a. Helping students with basic reading, mathematics, writing, and self-help skills as directed by the teacher.
   b. Assisting with the preparation and/or assembly of teaching materials as requested.
   c. Supervising students during both academic and non-academic activities.
5. Behavior Support and De-escalation:
   In addition to providing medical care, paraprofessionals will assist in following any detailed behavior intervention plans (BIPs) the student may have. This includes implementing appropriate behavior management strategies and using de-escalation techniques, up to and including therapeutic holds, as necessary to ensure student safety. The paraprofessional is expected to remain calm and patient in challenging situations, helping students develop acceptable behavior patterns.
6. Lesson and Classroom Support:
   The 1:1 paraprofessional will assist in the implementation of daily instructional lessons, following the guidance of the supervising teacher. Responsibilities include:
   a. Assisting in administering tests, evaluating student progress, and modifying student work within the context of the lesson plan.
   b. Preparing teaching materials and helping organize classroom activities.
   c. Assisting the teacher in supervisory tasks, such as monitoring student behavior and ensuring a safe learning environment.
7. Safety Care Training:
   Completion of Safety-Care Behavioral Safety Training is required for all paraprofessionals. This training ensures staff can safely manage medical emergencies and challenging behaviors, ensuring the safety of both the student and the broader school community.
8. Communication and Record Keeping:
   The paraprofessional must communicate effectively and proficiently, both orally and in writing, with teachers, the school nurse, and other team members. Keeping accurate records of medical tasks, student behavior, and academic performance is essential, ensuring that all observations and actions are clearly documented and shared with the appropriate staff.
9. Student Safety and Supervision:
   Ensuring the student’s safety at all times is a key responsibility. The paraprofessional will maintain constant vigilance during the student’s movement across school property, during class transitions, recess, meals, and any other school activities. Supervisory responsibilities include monitoring the student’s physical well-being and enforcing school rules and district policies to ensure a safe and structured environment.
10. Professionalism and Adaptability:
    a. Demonstrate adaptability, including responding to changes in location, schedule, duties, and hours as the student’s needs evolve.
    b. Maintain punctuality, regular attendance, and an appropriate level of flexibility to respond to the student’s unique medical and academic needs.
    c. Maintain confidentiality of student medical records and personal information, ensuring compliance with privacy laws and district policies.
    d. If the student is absent, the paraprofessional will work with the building administrator to support other areas where needed.
    e. This is a special services position. If the student moves or no longer requires 1:1 support, the paraprofessional may be reassigned to another position within special services based on the needs of the program as determined by special services administration.
11. Ongoing Professional Development:
    The paraprofessional will participate in regular training sessions, staff meetings, and in-service workshops to stay informed of updates to medical procedures, behavior management strategies, and instructional practices. They must maintain a district-assigned email account, reading and responding to messages regularly.
12. Other Responsibilities:
    a. Accept responsibility for assignments and outcomes, working cooperatively with the teaching team and other staff members.
    b. Support the student’s case manager and the school nurse in implementing the student’s healthcare and educational plan, following all instructions and completing tasks with minimal supervision.
    c. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Criminal history clearance through Washington State Patrol and FBI. Fingerprinting cost is the responsibility of the employee.
2. Complete required Safe Schools trainings
3. Obtain and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
4. Obtain and maintain CPI certification if providing services to Special Education students..
5. Within the first year of employment, successfully complete the Washington State Fundamental Course of Study for Paraeducators provided by the District, as defined in RCW 28A.413.070, and continue to meet future requirements as mandated by the State.

 

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org