Job Summary:

Under the direction and supervision of the building principal, Special Services Director, or designee, the paraeducator will assist in instruction, teach, motivate, and assess students with special needs.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Assist the teacher in the implementation, organization and preparation of the classroom program and materials.
• Provide instruction to students with special needs as assigned and supervised by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher with record keeping tasks as directed.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining the safety and well-being of the students.
• Work daily with students in accordance with scheduled times.
• Facilitate and complete learning experiences designated by the teacher.
• Record progress of students on daily task sheets.
• Complete forms, record information accurately, and perform other tasks that are needed for the program.  
• Create positive educational climate for students to learn.
• Respond appropriately to aggressive and physical behaviors.
• Ability to utilize soft restraint and de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain physical capability of lifting a student (must be able to lift 50 pounds). 
• 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.
• Refer concerns for safety, health, and discipline to the supervising teacher or principal.
• Monitor student activities on the playground and lunchroom.
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school district rules, administrative regulations, and board policies.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Requires the use of multiple communication systems, such as electronic mail and computers.
• The employee shall maintain a consistent presence at the assigned work site(s) and work the regular work hours specified by the contract.
• Professionally interact with colleagues, members of the public, and students.
• Comply with all District policies and all applicable laws.

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated interest in working with students with special needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teachers to improve instruction using data to drive decision making instruction.
• Willing and physically capable of kneeling, bending, and working or sitting on the floor with students, based on student needs.
• Demonstrates classroom management procedures that provide for large and small groups, and individuals, and provides an environment conducive to learning.
• Enthusiastic and displays an overall optimism and motivation toward teaching and student learning.
• Willingness and commitment to participate in professional collaboration and student supervision.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written communication.
• Working knowledge of district-adopted software, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with district staff to enhance the completion of assigned tasks. 
• Demonstrates the ability to learn new ideas and skills for solving problems in a dynamic team environment.
• Demonstrates ability to relate and work effectively with staff and community.
• Demonstrates personal characteristics of flexibility, high-stress tolerance, reliability, punctuality, dependability, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain high standards of professionalism and diplomacy in dealing with the public and district staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• All paraeducators must have completed the ETS Praxis, or obtained an AA Degree, or have earned 72 quarter/48 semester credits (documentation required at time of application).
• High school diploma or equivalent (documentation required at time of application).
• Documented training or willingness to receive training in de-escalation, personal safety techniques, and physical intervention.
• Required to have a current First Aid/CPR card.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
• Proof of Immunization (if born 1/1/57 or later).
• I-9 Employment Eligibility in compliance with the Immigrations Reform and Control Act.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee may be required to deal with distraught and/or angry persons and may be exposed to infectious diseases carried by children. The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this particular environment and can vary depending upon daily activity but will remain within acceptable ranges.

For information on salary and benefits offered, please visit: 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 applicable federal and state rules and regulations and 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, gender 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 Compliance & Title IX Coordinator: Brittney Richter, brichter@omaksd.org, 619 W Bartlett Ave Omak, WA, 98841, (509) 826-8386; Section 504 Coordinator: Sarah Lewman, slewman@omaksd.org, 619 W Bartlett Ave 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 information 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.