PARAEDUCATOR - LIFEGUARD

Classification: Paraeducator Location: Assigned School(s)

Reports to: Principal or Principal Designee FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NTPA

Paraeducators assigned to the lifeguard position description may or may not perform all of the essential functions indicated in this position description. 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Part I: Position Summary: 

The paraeducator performs a variety of duties in the supervision and safety of students. 

The District represents a diverse community with a population of more than 50% of students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

Part II: Supervision and Controls over the Work: 

Paraeducators - Lifeguards work under the day-to-day direction of the staff member(s) supported, and under the direct supervision of the Principal or Principal Designee. Teachers may provide specific directions and oversight. Principal or Principal Designee provides training, direction, and guidance governing the performance of duties. Paraeducators - lifeguards are responsible for being familiar with the school/district policies and life-saving procedures which govern their work.

Part III: Major Duties and Responsibilities (depending on specific assignment, duties and responsibilities listed may include, but are not limited to the following): 

1. Oversee student in pool complexes and other areas as assigned

1. Takes steps to intervene when students are not in control or may be in dangerous or unsafe situations.

1. Models appropriate behavior for students.

1. Provides students with guidance and reinforcement of safety rules and expected behaviors.

1. Provide limited first aid when necessary. Assess injury to determine whether nursing care is needed. Maintain knowledge of students that may have medical concerns to remain aware of potentially dangerous situations for their individual condition.

1. Maintain confidentiality in matters of student records, medical records, classroom issues, interaction with families and the public.

1. Ability to implement emergency preparedness when circumstances require.

1. Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.

1. Other Duties as Assigned: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Specific to Lifeguard:

1. Fully certified lifeguard in accordance with (WAC 246-260-131 (6) (a) (b)) to supervise swimmers, provide first-aid and/or CPR to accident and injury victims, rescue persons in distress.
2. Monitor aquatic activities, ensure activities are proper and appropriate.
3. Maintain pool chemicals and aquatic equipment and ensure it is in good working order.
4. Inspect lifesaving equipment daily and make necessary repairs.
5. Hose off pool decks during down time.
6. Monitor, maintain, and order pool supplies as necessary.

Part IV: Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

1. Either an Associate’s Degree or successfully passing the written Educational Testing Service competency examination.

1. Required to be certified or to become certified in first aid, CPR, Lifeguard, and/or operation of defibrillators.

1. Successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.

1. Able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing tasks and priorities.

1. Able to assist, console, and manage students who may be emotional, distraught, or frustrated. Ability to conduct conflict resolution between students.

1. Able to remain calm, focused and in control when working with students, parents, guardians, and community members who may be difficult and challenging to engage.

1. Able to follow written and verbal direction and take the initiative to seek clarity and take action when needed.

1. Be or become knowledgeable and supportive of student discipline procedures.

1. Constantly exhibit command and proper annunciation, spelling, syntax and use of the English language to assist and model proper language usage by students.

1. Able to protect the confidentiality of student information consistent with FERPA requirements and good judgment.

1. Able to work collaboratively and effectively with staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members.

1. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

1. Skill in the use of office and computer equipment and use standard office software and student information system software.

Part V: Desired Qualifications:

Bilingual skills in a common language to the District such as Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese (to be determined by the specific position).

Part VI: Physical and Environmental Requirements of the Position:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear and speak.

The employee must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during the course of their duties.

The employee may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students, exposed to student noise and learning resource noise levels.

The employee may be required to travel in school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students.

Insurance Benefits

Employees who are anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year (September 1 through August 31) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits.

North Thurston Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Click on the link https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees for information on available benefit options.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

Eligible employees are required to be a member of the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan. . For eligibility information, check on the link to the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP). These are supplemental retirement savings programs that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Clink on the link https://www.drs.wa.gov/plan/dcp/ for information on 457 plan (DCP) with the Department of Retirement Systems.

To enroll in an eligible 403(b) plan, employees must consult with their own financial planner that is an approved vendor.

THIS IS A UNION POSITION

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Thurston School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer: executivedirectorHR@nthurston.k12.wa.us, 360-412-4453; Section 504 Coordinator at 360-412-4465, 504@nthurston.k12.wa.us Address for both: 305 College St. NE. Lacey, WA 98516.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Effective June 11, 1992, pursuant to Public Law 92544 all new employees must complete a satisfactory fingerprint and sexual misconduct background check. All employment is considered temporary until receipt of satisfactory check. Proof that the fingerprinting process has begun must be supplied to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment.