HIRING ROSTER for Learning Support Paraeducators

This posting will be used to establish a hiring roster to fill district-wide vacancies for the Learning Support Program and one-on-one positions.  Qualified candidates will be invited to interview with Special Education managers for hiring and placement for the 24-25 school year.  

Assignment hours may vary by building, 9 months per year

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their degree, education or credits, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Failure to submit a full application package will result in disqualification.

Internal applicants must have official transcripts to confirm education on file or included with the application.

External applicants must include official transcripts to confirm education or ETS ParaPro Assessment results with application.

Qualifications: 

• Documentation verifying a high school diploma or GED AND
• One of the following: official transcripts verifying an Associate's degree (90 quarter, 60 semester) OR 72 quarter or 48 semester credits from an accredited university, college, community college or business school; OR ETS ParaPro Assessment result of 455 or higher
• One year of related experience working with children in an educational setting preferred
• Successful experience as part of an educational team preferred
• Experience which demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and skills in working effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve the desired goal(s) for the classroom and/or program area
• Possess excellent problem solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills and ability to think quickly

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to effectively communicate with and appreciate individuals from diverse, socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to learn and use a computer monitor, keyboard, and appropriate adaptive technologies
• Ability to successfully implement educational programs and manage student behavior with direction from the teacher
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to be flexible with assigned tasks and schedules

 Other Requirements: 

• Ability to lift, move, physically restrain a child of the size required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds
• Ability to observe the behavior of students, both visually and by listening
• Regular attendance to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements

Essential Functions: 

• Treat co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serve as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Work in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Support the appropriate certificated staff member(s) in developing specific goals for each student

• Support the teacher in planning and evaluating overall learning goals and individual students' progress.

• Independently oversee student(s) behavior and assist student(s) during class activities.
• In conjunction with certificated staff member, assist with classroom activities or provide instruction to student. Assistance provided may include the following areas: academic subjects, basic life skills, social skills, and other areas as assigned.
• Produce and assemble teaching materials as directed by teacher
• Assist with data entry, record keeping, and filing
• Grade/correct papers and homework utilizing a rubric or key
• Oversee assigned students as they enter/leave school grounds, on the playground and in the cafeteria, or on field trips as directed by Special Ed certificated staff
• Attend training meetings to broaden expertise in working with students with special needs
• Responsible for collecting and sharing progress data 
• Utilize technology to collect Individualized Education Plan (IEP) data and to inform work with students in goal areas
• Lead small groups or individualized instruction in the areas of reading, writing, math, and social/behavioral skills
• Support students in general education classrooms which may require the need to adjust, change or modify the assigned work as well as communicating and collaborating with the general education teacher about accommodations and modifications
• Communicate clearly with special education teacher regarding student behavior, progress and needs
• Implement suggestions and feedback from other staff related to specific students
• Implement behavior support plans for students with behavior needs
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by administrator in alignment with their job classification

       *If asked to perform diapering duty, "step up" to Special Program Paraeducator pay will apply.

Benefits/Compensation:

Salary range:  New employees will start at the minimum hourly rate in the salary range.  However, employees who have verified prior years of service in a similar occupational status from other Washington School Districts or Education School Districts, may receive experience credit towards salary placement.  Salary schedules can be accessed here.

Benefits:  Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here.

Retirement:  Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here.

Time Off:  Vancouver Public Schools offers paid holidays and paid time off, including but not limited to, sick, vacation, personal, and bereavement leave.  Additional negotiated leave options can be found in the associated Comprehensive Professional Agreement (CPA) for this position VAESP CPA.