Paraprofessional

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The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Project Paraprofessional ! Project positions are limited duration with the potential for conversion to permanent positions in the future. (Many of our wonderful para's started out as project employees.) Project positions include a comprehensive total rewards package to include PEBB medical/dental/vision/life/disability and PERS benefits. Paraprofessionals work on a seasonal basis during the course of the school year, typically from late August until mid-June.

The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the support and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts. Our greatest resource at WSSB is our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.

The Paraprofessional (Instruction and Classroom Support Technician I) provides instruction and support to students and assists certificated Washington State School for the Blind staff in the education setting.

Requirements include:

To qualify for paraeducator positions in Washington State, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Age and Education : Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Additional Qualifications : Fulfill at least one of the following:

• 1. Achieve a passing score on a state-approved assessment, such as:
• • ETS ParaPro Assessment : Minimum score of 455.
• • Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment : Minimum score of 220.
• • The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program : Minimum score of 65%.
• 2. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• 3. Have completed 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or above from an accredited institution.
• 4. Successfully finish a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

• Ability and willingness to obtain Braille certification (WA UEB) within 1 year of hire
• Ability and willingness to work daytime hours M-F (approximately 7am-3:45pm M-TH, 7am-2:30PM F or as needed to meet agency demands)
• Ability to independently perform duties with frequent interruptions;
• Ability/willingness to assist children with mobility activities;
• Ability/willingness to assist children with toileting and other personal needs as needed;
• Can provide clear and concise communication, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to issues as they arise;
• Willingness to maintain a positive attitude and take action to meet the needs of others and be receptive to change in processes and procedures and learn and grow.
• Able to assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods;
• Able to assist in the classroom with self-help needs;
• Can prepare materials for use in classrooms, laboratories or instructional shops; set up assignments, equipment or demonstration apparatus for classes; confer with instructor in establishing and developing assignments;
• Can stand and walk for long periods of time; and,
• Pass Federal and State background checks subject to all applicable laws and regulations.

Desired Qualifications include:

• Experience working with blind and low vison individuals
• Demonstrated experience in an educational setting, preferably with middle and high school youth.
• UEB WA certified for braille competency.
• Experience with Daily Living Skills instruction for the blind and low vision and,
• Training and/or experience working with children with behavioral support need.

Note: The full salary range has been posted for informational purposes only. Typically, new hires do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington experience in a similarly situated position as these are considered senior/longevity steps. Education/experience and skills and abilities will be considered for the proper placement of any final candidate. This position may be eligible for dual language pay, a premium of 5% which is added to an employee's base salary for recognized specialized skills (i.e. braille certification, speaking another language when required for the position, etc.) that exceed the ordinary requirements for the position. Additionally, this recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions and shifts including both project and permanent paraprofessional openings as need arises.

What WSSB Offers:

WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

Union Inclusion:

This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All:

The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital or familial status, pregnancy (including childbirth, or related medical conditions/involving women's health), sex including sexual orientation and gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicants' expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.

Veterans Preference:

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Additional Information:

The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call View phone number on click.appcast.io and ask to speak to Human Resources or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email View email address on click.appcast.io.