School Assistant/Split Class Paraeducator

Thank you for your interest in a career with us! The Northshore School District is committed to a diverse workforce that reflects our students and our community, one that embraces and models equity and cultural competency.

This posting will be used to generate an applicant pool. This pool does not necessarily indicate there is a current vacancy. However, should a vacancy occur, this pool allows hiring administrators immediate access to potential candidates. Qualified applicants will be selected for interview by hiring administrators as needed throughout the school year.

JOB SUMMARY

This position assists the teachers and office staff by performing a variety of instructional and non-instructional support and supervision activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary in consultation with the employee(s) involved. Duties may vary from position-to-position or school-to-school.

• Provides assistance with instructional activities (i.e. one-on-one instruction and modeling; small group instruction; assists with reading, writing and math learning tasks; tutors individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher).
• Monitors student behavior. Utilizes school systems for positive recognition for behavior. Supports students with correcting their behavior, resolving conflict and problem solving. Utilizes de-escalation techniques with students when needed. Assists in identification of student-related behavior needs and implements behavior modifications as directed by a teacher or administrator. Monitors, reports, and documents student progress regarding performance and behavior. Assists teachers with reviewing recess and other school expectations.
• Provides student supervision during recess, transitions, and/or during student lunch time; supervises students during arrivals and departures; may monitors and directs student traffic at crossings. Provides set up and take down of some recess equipment.
• Provides support to teachers by setting up work areas, displaying student work or instructional content on bulletin boards and displays, preparing classroom and workroom supplies (i.e. cutting, laminating, copying) and organizing, distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
• Assists the teacher by tracking student attendance, delivering notes to the school office, communicating with parents, and escorting children to/from the classroom.
• Administers student assessments, corrects student work, records grades, and maintains other classroom records.
• Performs routine clerical duties; operates various office equipment; types, performs data entry, files, photocopies, and modifies instructional and office administration materials, at the direction of teachers.
• May assist in the health room as necessary and when appropriately trained, in the absence of the nurse. Performs basic first aid; performs lice checks; checks students’ temperatures and verifies numbers on glucose meters, and insulin syringes or pens; administers oral medications, and emergency Epi-Pens according to procedures; maintains health room logs and enters information into a student information system as necessary; contacts parents regarding student illness.
• Participates in school-wide activities, professional development training, and meetings as directed by teacher or administrator.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the job description and employee assignment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to building principal and to classroom teachers.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in a school and classroom setting. May work outside in inclement weather.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

As of July 23rd, 2023, all employed paraeducators must meet the following minimum employment requirements:

• 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, please read the Washington Paraprofessional Educator Standards Board (WA PESB) FAQ (document)

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

• Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board*

• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university

• Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university

• Link to PESB's paraeducator minimum employment requirements & list of Board approved assessments.

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training or equivalent is required. Training is provided upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work cooperatively with teachers and enjoy interacting with children; knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; skilled in reading, writing and mathematics consistent with the appropriate grade level and assignment; keyboarding skills by touch; ability to operate instructional equipment and office machines; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to interact with children in a warm, confident manner; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Ability to operate computers and learn specific software. May require a reliable means of transportation and a valid Washington state driver's license if position requires travel between schools. First-aid/CPR training preferred.

Physical Requirements

Works in a classroom environment; students in these classrooms may have physical and/or behavior disabilities that may present significant work challenges for the school assistant. May experience frequent interruptions; may be required to deal with distraught or angry students and parents. May be required to deal with students requiring de-escalation skills. Required to assist students outside in inclement weather. Depending on the assignment, this type of work may involve lifting, re-positioning, requiring the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, or occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance or using lifting devices. The position involves frequent walking, sitting, grasping, handling and manual dexterity. Requires outdoor supervision; requires standing and walking for long periods of time.

SALARY Salary is based upon the current ESP Salary Schedule Salary (Level I); placement on the salary schedule will be determined by Human Resources DOE. FLSA Non-Exempt.

WORK YEAR Days of the week and hours may vary

BENEFITS Washington state health insurance coverage (SEBB) and a Washington state retirement package, for eligible positions. Generally, you are eligible for SEBB benefits if you are anticipated to work at least 630 hours per school year (September 1 through August 31). The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) benefits include:

• Medical plans with prescription benefits
• Dental plans
• Vision plans
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Dependent Care Assistance Program

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Complete an online application.
• Attach a cover letter and resume.
• Enter 3 professional references, including their name, working relationship to you, phone number, and email address. Confidential Reference Forms are automatically emailed via the application system.
• Optional – letters of recommendation, transcripts, ETS scores, certificates, etc.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of background checks with prior employers and/or character references; satisfactory outcome of a criminal history background check (includes fingerprinting); satisfactory outcome of sexual misconduct information from prior school district employers; and approval by the Northshore School Board.

Click here to view our Non-Discrimination Statement and Accommodation Policy.