PARAEDUCATOR

 (Title 1, LAP, ESL, Library, Technology Asst., Safety & Playground, Transportation Safety Assistant)

STANDARD POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

Classification:  Instructional Paraeducator                                Location: Assigned School(s)

 

Reports to: Principal or Principal Designee                                  FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

 

Bargaining Unit:  NTPA                             

 

This is a standard position description to be used for paraeducator positions with similar duties, responsibilities, classification and compensation.  Paraeducators assigned to the position description may or may not perform all of the essential functions indicated in this position description. 

 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and para-educator and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

 

Part I:  Position Summary: 

 

The paraeducator performs a variety of duties including, instructional and classroom support, as well as supervision and safety related duties assist the school and teachers in instruction, supervision, and education of students. 

 

The District represents a diverse community with a population of more than 50% of students with diverse backgrounds.  We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities.  The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

 

Part II:  Supervision and Controls over the Work: 

 

Paraeducator work under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal or Principal Designee.  Teachers provide specific directions and oversight of instructional support.  Principal or Principal Designee provides training, direction, and guidance governing the performance of school-wide duties.   Paraeducators are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and procedures which govern their work.

 

Part III:  Major Duties and Responsibilities (depending on specific assignment, duties and responsibilities listed may include, but are not limited to the following): 

1. Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of student in the classroom.

2. Oversee student safety by such activities as recess and playground supervision, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, in-school detention, etc.

3. Communicates with students, parents, and community members with respect and confidentiality and consistent with the direction and guidance of staff, administrators, and school/district policies and procedures.

4. Provides instructional support and tutoring to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations. May supervise and assist student during in-school suspension or in extended day programs.

5. Documents behavior and progress of students to assist teacher in assessing progress with education plans. Maintain, or assist in maintaining, student weekly progress reports.

6. Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.

7. Takes steps to intervene when students are not in control, not in the proper location, or may be in dangerous or unsafe situations. May oversee student safety by such activities as recess and playground supervision, bus duty, crossing guard duty, hallway supervision, library, lunch, planned periods, etc.

8. Models appropriate behavior for students.

9. Provides students with guidance and reinforcement of rules and expected behaviors.

10. Provide limited first aid when necessary. Assess injury to determine whether nursing care is needed.  Maintain knowledge of students that may have medical concerns to remain aware of potentially dangerous situations for their individual condition.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Specific to Title 1 Paraeducator: 

1. Following teacher’s directions, provide student support and supervision in subject areas from self-help and independence to academics and behavior. Work one-on-one basis or in a small group setting during academic learning to facilitate and adapt assignments, homework, tests, projects, etc., to an appropriate learning level for individual students. Record behavioral and/or other student data.  Reinforce teacher’s directions and guidelines.

2. Perform office duties, as pertain to identified students, such as filing, maintaining student records, assisting with written reporting of student progress and making copies of curriculum materials.

Specific to ESL Paraeducator: 

Works with English Language Learners (ELL) by using English, and a second language if able, to assist ELL students in learning social and academic English proficiency. 

 

Specific to LAP Paraeducator: 

Works with students eligible for the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) to provide help in reading, math and early school readiness.

 

Specific to Library Paraeducator: 

1. Enters and maintains data and materials for the library; operates computerized checkout and card catalog system.
2. Maintains procedures for overdue materials; prepares overdue notices and correspondence.
3. Provide secretarial support to librarians; prepare book orders, requisitions, catalog records, bibliographies, reports, correspondence, etc. using computer programs; answers telephone; acts as library receptionist.
4. Using scan-bar code system, conducts annual inventory; downloads and runs reports; reconciles actual inventory to generated lists; updates information; finalizes reports and inventory.
5. May provide training, supervision, and work assignments for student assistants and adult volunteers.
6. Maintains physical appearance of the library and library bulletin boards.

Specific to Native American Paraeducator: 

1. Works with Native American students eligible for Title III and Title VI services to provide help in literacy, math, science, and culturally responsive education.
2. Performs duties related to student assessment (qualification and annual assessments), progress monitoring, data, and culture-informed instruction.

Specific to Technology Assistant Paraeducator: 

1. Maintenance of school computers including storage and user lists
2. Assist with debugging/troubleshooting, hardware set-up, and system/program installation
3. Assist with maintenance of programs, licenses and hardware

Specific to Bus Monitor: 

1. Request identification for any unauthorized persons in the bus drop/pick up areas
2. Ensure students follow set rules and be set rules and be constantly aware of students’ whereabouts and the number of students in your direct supervision.
3. Resolve conflicts between students. Administer limited discipline if necessary.  Use independent discretion when deciding to refer a student to the principal for further discipline.

Part IV:  Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Either an Associate’s Degree or 72 quarter credits of college courses numbered 100 or above OR the ETS Para Pro test. (The ETS Para Pro test is given by ESD113 in Tumwater. Their number is 360-464-6700. Or online at https://www.prometric.com/ParaPro or https://www.ets.org).

3. May be required to be trained in specific instructional methodologies in such content areas as reading, writing, and mathematics.

4. May be required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, and/or operation of defibrillators.

5. Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

6. Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities.

7. Able to assist, console, and manage students who may be emotional, distraught, or frustrated.

8. Able to remain calm, focused and in control when working with students, parents, guardians, and community members who may be difficult and challenging to engage.

9. Able to follow written and verbal direction and take the initiative to seek clarity and take action when needed.

10. Be or become knowledgeable and supportive of classroom management and student discipline procedures.

11. Constantly exhibit command and proper enunciation, spelling, syntax and use of the English language to assist and model proper language usage by students.

12. Able to organize work and set priorities for accomplishing work in a timely and effective manner.

13. Able to protect the confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.

14. Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.

15. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

16. Skill in the use office and computer equipment and use standard office software and student information system software.

Part V:  Desired Qualifications:

1. Two years of experience that demonstrates the ability to work successfully with children in a learning environment. Education beyond the high school level may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hours, or portion thereof, considered one year, or portion thereof, of education and/or experience.

2. Bilingual skills in languages commonly used by District students such as Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese (to be determined by the specific position).

3. May be required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, and/or operation of defibrillators.

Part VI:   Physical and Environmental Requirements of the Position:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a paraeducator 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 paraeducator must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.

While performing the duties of this job, the para-educator is frequently required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak. Paraeducator may be required to perform extensive work at a computer display terminal or stand for longer than two (2) hours.

 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the paraeducator occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The paraeducator is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals.  It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties.   

 

The paraeducator may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students, exposed to student noise and learning resource noise levels.

 

The paraeducator may be required to travel in school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students.

 

Insurance Benefits

 

Employees who are anticipated to work 630 hours  during the school year (September 1 through August 31) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits.

North Thurston Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click on the link https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees for information on available benefit options.

 

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

 

Eligible employees  are required to be a member of the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan. .  For eligibility  information, check on the link to the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

 

Employees also have the ability to participate in tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP). These are supplemental retirement savings programs that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Clink on the link https://www.drs.wa.gov/plan/dcp/  for information on 457 plan (DCP)  with the Department of Retirement Systems.

To enroll in an eligible 403(b) plan, employees must consult with their own financial planner that is an approved vendor.

 

THIS IS A UNION POSITION

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Thurston School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, 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 Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer: executivedirectorHR@nthurston.k12.wa.us, 360-412-4453; Section 504 Coordinator at 360-412-4465, 504@nthurston.k12.wa.us  Address for both: 305 College St. NE. Lacey, WA 98516.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Effective June 11, 1992, pursuant to Public Law 92544 all new employees must complete a satisfactory fingerprint and sexual misconduct background check. All employment is considered temporary until receipt of satisfactory check. Proof that the fingerprinting process has begun must be supplied to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment.