Paraeducator - Social Communications

Reports To:

Building Principal

Bargaining Unit:

PSE

Department:

Office of Special Services

Salary Schedule

Schedule A-Sup/Inst.

Employment Type:

Classified

Salary Range:

IV

FLSA Status:

Adopted Date:

7/25/19

Hours per Day:

6.25

Days per Year:

181 (+11 Holidays) = 192

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 Pro-Act 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.

Summary:

The job of a PARAEDUCATOR - SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS is done to assist students, teachers and other certificated staff for the purpose of implementing instructional goals; developing students' learning, social, communication, and/or behavior skills; and evaluating students' progress on learning objectives.

Program Description:

Students that are served in the Social Communications program need explicit instruction in social skills, social cognition, pragmatics (social language), application of visual and sensory strategies/supports, employment of self-management techniques, and academic instruction at individual skill levels. Services are delivered in a language-rich, highly structured learning environment with positive behavioral supports through academic, sensory, and social skills instruction. Learning will be provided through a small group and/or individual environment where they can have access to sensory supports, routines, and predictability. They will develop the skills for both social-emotional and self-regulation. Academic levels may range from at or above to below grade level. Certificated, classified and related service staff will provide and support instruction for students to have access to the general education setting, as appropriate and as much as possible. Support may be needed throughout the child's school day with the goal of fading toward independent skill use. Students participate in all federal, state, and district assessments with needed, practiced, and allowable accommodations and modifications, as determined by the IEP team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists students, teachers, and other certificated personnel for the purpose of implementing instruction and/or IEP's;

• Developing students' learning, daily living, social, communication, and/or behavior skills and evaluating students' progress on IEP objectives;

• Supervises students in the school setting for the purpose of maintaining and providing a safe and positive learning environment;

• Collaborate with the certificated teacher in order to lead, guide, and/or coordinate students;

• Works under both direct and indirect supervision using standardized routines;

• Provides clerical and general classroom assistance for staff (e.g. collecting and inputting data, correspondence, copying, filing, preparing and organizing classroom materials) for the purpose of documenting student progress and providing general support for classroom activities related to learning goals and objectives;

• Participates in meetings and trainings for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving the employee's skills and knowledge;

• Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions;

• Operates within a defined budget;

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Teamwork

• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes appropriate feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests;

Planning/Organizing

• Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; conserves organizational resources;

Computer Skills

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of computer operating systems;

Customer Service

• Maintains professional demeanor when dealing with difficult or emotional situations; responds promptly to staff, student and public needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance;

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals;

Interpersonal Skills

• Keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment;

Oral and Written Communication

• Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; read and comprehend written and verbal instructions; writes clearly and informatively;

Professionalism

• Approaches other in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments;

Quality

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality;

Safety and Security

• Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly;

Attendance/Punctuality

• Is consistently at work and on time; arrives at meetings and appointments on time;

Dependability

• Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; meets commitments; follows policies and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The environmental factors described here are representative of those that may be present in the workplace while the employee performs the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant verbal communication, hearing, vision, kneeling, squatting, crawling, lifting, carrying. Frequent standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling paperwork, reaching above the shoulder, lifting up to 50 pounds independently or over 50 pounds as part of a two-person lift, exposure to blood/bodily fluids, and moderate to loud noise levels. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and a generally hazard free environment.

Education and Experience:

• High School graduate or equivalent;

• Completion of at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 quarter credits at 100 Course Level and above); OR completion of an Associate's (or higher) degree; OR have passed the State of Washington Para Pro Assessment;

• Job-related experience is desired.

Required Testing:

• State of Washington Para Pro Assessment (only required if applicant does not meet the conditions under the Education and Experience section.

Continued Education/Training:

• Required to complete all District and State continuing education and/or trainings offered in compliance with the Paraeducator Certificate Program requirements.

Clearances:

• Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance.

Certificates:

• First Aid/CPR Certification required;

• ProACT training and certification;

• Valid Washington State Driver's License required.

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 Office 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.