PARAEDUCATOR – 1:1 SOCIAL COMMUNICATION (SC)

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

• Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff and community members.
• Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
• Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

COMMENTS: When working in environments where de-escalation, isolation, and restraint training is required, employees will be compensated at a rate of an additional $0.50 per hour (elementary) or $0.75 per hour (secondary).

THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IS NOW REQUIRING ALL PARAEDUCATORS TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND/OR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS OR GED TO MEET TITLE 1, PART A FEDERAL LAW REQUIREMENTS.  PLEASE PROVIDE OUR OFFICE WITH A COPY PRIOR TO BEING THE SELECTED CANDIDATE.

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraeducator - Social Communication (SC) is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the general education classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings.

This job is distinguished from similar jobs by the following characteristics: Supporting students with need of explicit instruction in social skills /cognition, pragmatics (social language), application of visual and sensory strategies/supports modeling expected behavior and communication, employment of self-management techniques, and academic instruction at individual skill levels.

This job reports to Building Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher or specialist as needed for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives;
• Assists students, teachers, other certificated staff and personnel for the purpose of implementing instruction and/or IEPs;
• Attends meetings and trainings (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, de-escalation training, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions;
• Develops under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction for students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, daily living, physical, communication, and/or behavior/social skills, etc.) for the purpose of evaluating student's progress on IEP objectives and ensuring students success in school;
• Implements behavioral plans designed by the IEP team under the supervision of assigned teacher for students with behavioral disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts;
• Maintains confidentiality at all times following HIPPA, FERPA, IEP for the purpose of guidance and in accordance with district, state and federal guidelines;
• Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements;
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. restrooms, playgrounds, gyms, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment;
• Observes and collects information to be recorded via data sheets for the purpose of supporting the progress of individual students goals and objectives;
• Provides clerical and general classroom assistance for staff (e.g. collecting and inputting data, correspondence, copying, filing, preparing, and organizing classroom materials, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and providing general support for classroom activities related to learning goals and objectives;
• Supervises and encourages students in school settings with peers and staff (e.g. support and guide verbal and non-verbal interaction, etc.) for the purpose of helping support the growth in social communication skills to maintain and provide a safe and positive learning environment;
• Works under both direct and in-direct supervision using standardized routines for the purpose of safe and positive learning environment.

Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as assigned, may be assigned to a student as a 1:1 paraeducator for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications;

preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age-appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior; de-escalation strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide

diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and some fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, 40% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience is desired in Job related experience is desired.

Education (Preferred): Paraeducator Certificate Program

Education (Minimum): Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (for more detailed information on what is considered equivalent.

In addition, a paraeducator must meet one of the following:

1. Have received a passing score of the ParaPro assessments OR
2. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university OR
3. Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university.

Required Testing                                                                           

Job-Related Skills Proficiency Test                                        

Certificates and Licenses

CPR/First Aid Certificate

Valid Washington State Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability

ProACT de-escalation and restraint training

Paraeducator Certificate Program

Continuing Educ./Training                                                          

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses      

Clearances

Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance

Other Requirements:

• Completed online application (with supporting documents)

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, you may review the individual collective bargaining agreements and SEBB 2023 School Employee Enrollment Guide which are located on our website SK Staff Resources or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at (360) 874-7028 or payrollstaff@skschools.org.

Application Procedure:  Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application and required District Testing (if applicable-see job posting when applying) must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or skjobs@skschools.org.

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Kimberly House
Director of Special Services
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-443-3648
house@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Dr. Tom Edwards,
Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
edwards@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community, and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.