Paraprofessional

Job Title:
Paraprofessional

Pay Range:

$20-24/hour

Job Description:

School Paraprofessional | Full Time | Bellevue, WA | 2026-2027 School Year

Ampersand Therapy is seeking caring and dependable Paraprofessionals interested in school-based opportunities throughout Washington. Help students succeed by supporting learning, encouraging independence, and collaborating with teachers and school teams. We'd love to connect with individuals who enjoy working with children and making a positive difference in their school experience!

Job Highlights:

• Location: Multiple locations throughout Washington
• Position: School Paraprofessional
• Schedule: Full-time M-F
• Setting: In-person, school-based
• Start Date: Rolling start dates throughout the school year

Responsibilities:

• Support students individually or in small groups under the direction of classroom teachers and school staff
• Assist with classroom activities, instruction, and daily routines
• Support accommodations and strategies outlined in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Help students build academic, communication, social, and daily living skills
• Follow established behavior support plans and encourage positive student engagement
• Assist with transitions, supervision, and personal care needs as required by the assignment
• Communicate student progress and observations to the supervising teacher
• Maintain student confidentiality and contribute to a safe, inclusive learning environment

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children
• Experience and comfortability working with students who may have behavioral and toileting needs
• Must currently have a secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Must fulfill one of the three following requirements:
  • Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university
  • Have earned an associate degree or higher
  • Have passed a state-approved paraeducator assessment , such as the ETS ParaPro test with a score of 455 or higher
• Right Response or CPI training is a plus
• Strong communication, patience, flexibility, and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow teacher direction and individualized student support plans
• Experience supporting students with disabilities or behavioral needs preferred
• Ability to complete required district onboarding and background checks

Benefits:

• Paid Sick Leave
• Healthcare Benefits*
• 401(k) with company matching
• W-2 employment with general and professional liability insurance
• Reimbursement for licensure, CEUs, and other professional expenses
• Mileage reimbursement at IRS rate between school sites
• Referral bonuses
• No non-compete clauses
• Paid time off for volunteer work and donation matching*

Benefits apply to 0.8 FTE and above, following a short waiting period.

Why Join Ampersand Therapy?

Ampersand Therapy is a local, women- and therapist-operated company founded by providers who understand what it's like to work in schools. Our mission is to build a community of therapists who feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to make a difference. We proudly serve school districts throughout Western Washington and across several other states. You'll work alongside a small, passionate team of school-based specialists-some of whom are still active providers in schools themselves. We offer mentorship and support, especially for newer school-based specialists, and are deeply committed to equity, sustainability, and community involvement.

Our Core Values:

• Equity & Inclusion: Creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all
• Community Impact: Supporting nonprofits and empowering our team to give back
• Environmental Responsibility: Committed to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting sustainable practices

Ampersand Therapy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment and sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other identity characteristics. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and join our team.

Apply today to join a supportive team of school-based professionals in Washington!