Substitute Para Educator 

Purpose Statement:

A para educator instructs students in an individual or group setting. He/She helps with assigned learning activities and provides assistance to students under the direction of the special education teacher.

Selection Procedure:

A successful applicant will have at least two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education (72 Qtr. Crt); or hold an Associate’s (or higher) Degree; or completion of Praxis Exam with a passing score.

 Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the classroom special education teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities
• Provide one-on-one instruction/supervision in self-contained classroom as needed.
• Keep student/staff information confidential.
• Provide instructional support to students in accordance with teacher directions.
• Record data on individual student progress in the curriculum and behavior program.
• Assist student(s) with behavior management by consistently following the plan developed by the staff including but not limited to redirecting, teaching replacement behavior and providing reinforcement.
• Work cooperatively with members of the team.
• Develop a rapport with special needs or at-risk students.
• Perform computer tasks that are needed for the program as directed by supervisors.
• Be familiar with district policies and procedures.
• Promote student independence in the school setting.
• Refer concerns for safety, health and discipline to the supervising teacher or principal.
• Perform other tasks as reasonably requested by the teacher or administrators.
• Ability to respond appropriately to aggressive and physical behaviors. Ability to utilize de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to perform varied tasks in a busy atmosphere.
• Playground and lunchroom supervision.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical 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, established lifting procedures, and administering first aid.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand complex, 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; codes, regulations & laws related to the job functions; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior; proficiency in behavior management strategies and techniques.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.  Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create 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: maintaining a work schedule requiring continuous physical activity; communicating with persons of varied backgrounds; maintaining confidentiality; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget.  Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the Organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, running and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 25% sitting, 40% walking, and 35% standing.  The job may incorporate strenuous physical activity and is performed under some hazardous conditions and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience:                Job related experience as specified above will be given priority consideration.

Education:                 Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in job related area.

                                    Documented training in PBIS will be given preference in the selection process.

Equivalency:              None Specified

Substitute employees may be benefit-eligible depending on hours worked. See benefit information for this position at:https://www.omaksd.org/departments/human-resource/benefits

The following policies have been adopted and are reflected in our employment practices:

The Omak School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  This holds true for all district activities, programs, and employment opportunities. 

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX/RCW28A.640/RCW28A.642 Officer, as well as, Compliance Coordinator for State Laws RCW 28A.640 Sexual Equality and RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibited Officer, Brittney Richter, brichter@omaksd.org, P O Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 (509) 826-8386, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, John Holcomb jholcomb@omaksd.org, P O Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 (509) 826-8342.

This organization complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office.

Omak School District is a drug and tobacco free workplace.

For more inforation on Omak School District’s Affirmative Action Plan, please visit the “District Information” section located under “our District” on the Omak School District website at www.omaksd.org.

This organization requires a successful applicant to provide employment eligibility and verification of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.