Paraeducator

Vista Hermosa Foundation – Paraeducator Job Description

Broetje Family Trust is an association of three foundations collectively stewarding a family legacy of "bearing fruit that will last" through servant leadership, community building, and philanthropy. We commit to 1) live and teach the ethic of Christ-centered service through servant leadership development; 2) nurture and create new communities of healing and mutual service locally and internationally; and 3) place resources at the service of those communities.

Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy (NELA) is a private Christian school, located in Pasco, Washington. The Instructional Paraeducator assists the teachers in creating a positive learning environment to facilitate the personal, social, and intellectual development of students. To accomplish these tasks, the paraeducator works closely with the instructional staff and Principal of NELA.

Our Statement of Faith in Action

Broetje Family Trust is a Christ-centered organization. We embrace the Bible as the central guide for preparing ourselves to become followers of Jesus Christ. We believe that when God's word comes to live in us, we are empowered to live into a new way of thinking. We are transformed as we submit to God's "good and perfect will" (Rom12:1-2). Our hearts and minds compel us to engage the world differently as we learn to love as Jesus did.

We believe we are guided by the Holy Spirit in nurturing the spirit of all living beings through community. While the human spirit is integral to lasting transformation, it is God's Spirit dwelling within that transforms one's inner being to reflect God's love, leading one to become an ambassador of healing and reconciliation in the lives of those served (1Cor 2:11-12; 1 Cor 15:45-47).

The lasting impact of our work can be seen in individuals, families, and communities as they shift their thinking to see the world as God sees it. People come to believe that they are deeply loved, have a divine purpose, and are called to something greater than themselves. This belief inspires service and connection as they reach out to others regardless of differences to work together to achieve God's dream of Shalom.

Position summary:

Paraeducators at Nueva Esparanza Leadership Academy will report to the principal and work collaboratively and in partnership with the Teachers and the other Paraeducators. Paraeducators have, with the cooperation of the Teachers and the Principal, jurisdiction over any students at any time or any place within the school. This position is a salaried position, paid year-round, and comprised of an 189-day work calendar. Primary work hours are Monday-Friday, 7:50am – 3:30pm.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in facilitating the Christian, social-emotional, academic, and servant leadership development of students.
• Assist in establishing a positive holistic learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students in a trauma-informed manner.
• Ensure all activities conform to NELA guidelines and classroom expectations.
• Communicate effectively with all team members, using NELA's Vision for Conflict.
• React to change productively and carry out all assigned duties.
• Appropriately operate all classroom and school equipment.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with others.
• Serve as a substitute for Teachers, other Para Educators, and office staff as needed.
• Support NELA's mission, vision, and philosophy.
• Demonstrate regular attendance.
• React positively to supervision and constructive feedback.

Responsibilities:

• If bilingual, serve as an interpreter and translator.
• Assist in instruction and supervision of students. This may involve supporting assignment completion, reading material aloud, explaining directions/concepts, and administering tests.
• Set up and lead students in activities prepared by the supervising teacher, including weekly specials.
• Tutor students as directed.
• Assist with small group instruction of students.
• Provide teacher support by monitoring student progress and behavior.
• Assist in modification of classroom materials.
• Monitor student lunch and recess times, and transitions to and from these activities.
• Escort and supervise students to and from various school facilities and areas. When necessary, escort students on field trips.
• Assist students in playing games and with proper use of playground equipment.
• Use trauma informed techniques for behavior management and to maintain a positive school and classroom environment.
• Motivate students through effective communication and evaluative feedback.
• Set and maintain high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
• Assist in providing for the general physical and emotional needs of students.
• Prepare instructional materials and supplies.
• Various administrative activities such as taking attendance, recording absences, grading papers, greeting guests, answering phones, etc., as needed.
• Attend staff and instructional team meetings.
• Assist in maintenance and inventory of materials.
• Assist in safeguarding confidential information.
• Other duties as assigned by the principal or supervising teacher.

Qualifications:

• Belief that all children are capable of success and worthy of love – no exceptions!
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred.
• Must pass a full criminal background check.
• Ability to work effectively in a variety of environments and conditions, including multiple locations, indoor and outdoor settings year-round, and noisy or crowded environments.
• Good physical agility, including frequent bending, sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, and other movement-related activities.

Must have one or more of the following or currently working towards:

• A qualifying score of 461 or higher on the Education Testing Service Para Pro Assessment.
• An associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at or above the 100 level from an accredited college or university.
• A completed apprenticeship as a Paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• One year of successful work as a paraeducator or other position focusing on the oversite of children.

Salary and benefits

The salary range for this position is $34,000-$36,000. Benefits include private school environment with small class sizes, Christian environment with daily Bible lessons and weekly worship service, paid time off and sick leave, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and long-term care disability. Eligible for 401k plan after 90 days of service.

Vista Hermosa Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The position is open until filled.