Ready Start Paraeducator - SLPA

Job Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in a career with us! 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.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), this position assists students who have an IEP involving communication. This position assists the Head Start teacher in providing developmentally appropriate instruction to three to five year-olds enrolled in the District's Head Start Program, utilizing the district adopted curriculum.

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 based on the employee(s) specific assignment and program configuration.

• Assists with implementing IEP goals for individual or small groups of students who have communication needs, including articulation, as developed by the SLP
• May assist students in their general education classes. Provides individual speech and language therapy.
• Directs small group activities; leads lessons at the direction of the SLP, adapting lessons to meet specific student instructional needs and goals; assists with preparation of instructional materials; records classroom and IEP data and provides feedback to SLP and classroom teachers on student progress; and consults with the SLP on IEP goals.
• Assists with student behavior management and social skills; corrects or redirects inappropriate student behavior consistent with student behavior plans and best practices; ensures student safety at all times.
• Works as a member of the IEP team. Serves as a liaison between students, teachers, parents and other building staff. May participate in parent conferences or as a member of the IEP team.
• May attend staff meetings and professional development courses.
• Assists students using technology, including communication devices; understands classroom technology and helps troubleshoot student technology issues.
• Acts as a role model for students and actively listens to their needs.
• Perform other, related duties consistent with the job description and employee assignment

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the building principal and the SLPs.

Working Conditions

Works in a classroom environment; students in these classrooms may have cognitive, physical and/or behavior disabilities that may present significant work challenges for the paraeducator. May experience frequent interruptions; may be required to deal with distraught or upset students. May be required to travel between schools. The position involves frequent walking, sitting, grasping, handling and manual dexterity.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school graduation or equivalent with three years of experience working with preschool-aged students preferred. Fluent knowledge of written and conversational.

Must meet the minimum paraeducator requirements as defined by the state.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Willingness to learn about special education student disabilities, terms and special needs equipment used; Willingness to learn about classroom management techniques; ability to work cooperatively with teachers and enjoy interacting with children; knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and English usage; ability to read, write, speak, and compute effectively; ability to work independently, ability to operate computers and learn specific software; ability to be accepting of students with disabilities; demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills; 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, staff and the public.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Proof of physical examination, including TB skin test must be on file. For those who have tested positive, a statement from a doctor or a chest x-ray must be provided. Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification and a Food Handler's Permit within 90 days of hire.

Ability to operate computers and learn specific software. First-aid/CPR training preferred.

Salary

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

Work Year

6.5 hours per day. 192 days per year.

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. New hires must complete a probationary period following their hire date.