PARAEDUCATOR

LAKEWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 306
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Substitute Paraeducator (Day-to-day Substitute on an on-call, as-needed basis)
REPORTS TO: Building Principal

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION: Under the supervision of licensed/certificated staff, including building administrators, the substitute paraeducator supports teachers in the instructional process and/or supports students who need positive behavior support intervention(s).

Substitute shifts vary based on specific schedule between 7:30 am and 3:15 pm; substitutes are called on an as-needed basis and there is no guarantee of how many days you will be called; however, please be sure you can be available during these hours before applying for substitute status. Many of the paraeducator assignments include some assignments in special education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Administers tests, homework assignments, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments (e.g., read stories, listen to students read, providing writing assistance, reinforce lessons, provide spelling practice, facilitate activities, computer learning programs, etc.) for the purpose of practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching their academic goals and grade level standards.
Guides students in independent study (e.g. enrichment work, remedial work, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring student success.
Confers with teachers for the purpose of providing input into the evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing/modifying students' objectives.
Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students’ academic success through a defined course of study.
Assists in the maintenance of classroom resources, work area, students’ files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, audio visual equipment, bulletin boards, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading, etc.) for the purpose of providing behavioral supports and ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g., accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, homelessness, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
Responds to emergency situations (e.g., injured student, disruptions, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
Demonstrates professionalism through conduct, punctuality and minimal absences; models appropriate behavior for students.
Attends functions as assigned (e.g., meetings, in-service presentations, trainings, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
Knowledge of:
District policies and state and federal laws related to confidentiality, school records, and mandated reporting.

Ability to:
Demonstrate a commitment to the education of all children and youth
Demonstrate cultural competencies and respect and value for all cultural heritages
Adapt to a variety of working situations and learn related new skills
Know and follow health, safety, and emergency procedures of the district
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct, including the requirements of confidentiality
Communicate effectively orally and in writing: listen non-judgmentally and clearly convey information
Prioritize in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands
Maintain effective and positive relationships with students, parents/guardians, district administrators and staff in a multicultural and diverse environment; always maintain a positive attitude
Adapt to change and remain flexible
Work cooperatively/positively in a team with staff, administrators, and support personnel with a whole-child approach
Remain calm in escalated or stressful situations
Interact in a warm and understanding manner with students with special needs; work one-on-one with students who exhibit negative behaviors, and manage behaviors in proactive and affirming ways

Skill in:
Developing collaborative working relationships
Clear and effective oral and written communication
Organization and time management
Related educational computer software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, the Internet, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS: 
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Required:
High School Diploma or equivalent and at least one of the following:
Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment as published by PESB; or
Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
Have earned seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university; or
Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
Training, or willingness to get training, in Right Response or other restraint/aversive interventions
In-district applicants must be able to report to this position within five business days of being hired.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret in English effectively
Ability to follow instructions in English in written and oral form
Ability to write effectively in English
 
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables 
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or list form
 
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 position. Employees must have the ability to physically perform tasks relating to the position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, and occasionally crouch, kneel, or run as well as frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: There are no unusual environmental conditions.  Most activities are performed indoors in an office or classroom setting. Position may require employee to supervise students in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.  Typically, the noise level in the work environment is moderate. The employee has responsibility for the safety and well-being of others and must be able to interact with others.

EVALUATION: Completed at least annually by the employee’s immediate supervisor.
 
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assig (source document)