Special Needs Paraeducator

LOPEZ ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 144
86 School Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261 360.468.2202/Fax 360.468.2212

CLASSIFIED POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Special Needs Paraeducator

Posting: 26/27-13

Announcement Date: September 22nd, 2026
Applications Due by: Open until filled
Applications Screened: Upon submission
Responsible to: Director of Special Services and K-12 Principal

Job Summary:

Personnel in this position will carry out specific educational, behavioral, physical, speech, and
other appropriate therapy, and program activities with the special needs students under the
direction of the special education certificated staff for each area. Responsibilities include
working with K-12 students individually and/or in the general school classrooms; maintaining
data and records; documenting progress; and assisting teachers and specialists in serving student
needs. Depending on the assignment, a paraeducator may be supervised by a teacher, a building
administrator, or a district director/administrator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instruct and assist elementary and/or secondary students individually or in small

• Monitor student behavior, progress, and health in the classroom and other school

• Assist with assessment of students and serve as a contributing member of the IEP

• Attend staff and team meetings, as needed.
• Attend professional workshops to hone instructional skills.
• Work closely with the parents/guardians of the child, including possible daily

journals, transportation support, etc., as directed by certificated special services
staff.

• Lunchroom and recess duties are also included.
• Toileting and/or diapering as needed.
• Perform related duties, as assigned.
  

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Director of Special Services

LOPEZ ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 144
86 School Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261 360.468.2202/Fax 360.468.2212

CLASSIFIED POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Evaluation: Annual evaluation minimum, more at the discretion of the administrator.

Salary Level: Starts at $27.41 for the 2026-2027 School Year

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Completed at least 2 years of study through an institution(s) of higher education; or

obtained an associate (or higher) degree; or have a passing grade on the Education
Testing Service’s Paraeducator Assessment (or be willing to complete the assessment
through LISD).

• Ability to complete the state-mandated Fundamental Course of Study
• WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance (fingerprinting).
• Satisfactory completion and compliance with District application and employment

requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Ability to organize, perform and evaluate a comprehensively designed
individualized program of varied activities with a minimum of supervision.

2. Ability to be flexible and consistent.
3. Experience and/or training working with students with involved physical needs

desired.
4. Ability to deal with children with special needs in a positive and confident

manner.
5. Ability to learn effective instructional methods for students with special needs,

including learning how to provide a variety of physical, occupational, and other
therapy programs and activities, under the supervision of specialists.

6. Ability to learn data collection and maintain accurate records, including anecdotal
observations and journaling.

7. Ability to work as part of a team.
8. Effective written and oral communication skills.
9. Demonstrated record of personal safety and ability to promote safety in the work

place, including abstinence from the influence from alcohol and other illicit
substances, while on the job.

Licenses/Special Requirements:

Optional First Aid and CPR training, as required by the District.

Working Conditions:

Working with students with special needs can be joyful, rewarding and challenging. A
paraeducator experiences activity-filled, fast-paced days. She or he must be organized and able
to quickly monitor and adjust to moment-to-moment variables, e.g., interruptions, schedule

LOPEZ ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 144
86 School Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261 360.468.2202/Fax 360.468.2212

CLASSIFIED POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

changes, or students’ behavioral, physical, or emotional needs. Clerical work needs to be
accurate and timely. The ability to physically manipulate, and otherwise physically assist a child
up to 100 pounds is required.

Current employees should submit a letter indicating interest in the position, include the position’s title, why
you are applying for this position, and how you meet the requirements. Current employees do not need to
submit the information listed below.

Applicants must submit the following information to the Human Resources Office:

1. Letter of application indicating interest
2. Completed district application
3. complete resume of personal history, education, experience and references
4. Placement file
5. Transcripts (copies acceptable)

Applicants will be screened and candidates selected for interviews based upon preparation, experience and
references.

Apply to: Sarah Rucker, Human Resources
Lopez Island School District
86 School Rd
Lopez Island, WA 98261 Phone: 360.468.2202 ext. 2303
FAX: 360.468.2212
www.lopez.k12.wa.us

Immigration Reform and Control Act Requirement: The recommended applicant, if not a current employee will be required to
complete an INS 1-9 form and must provide proof of employment eligibility.
Disclosure Statement and Background Check: Pursuant to chapter 43.43, Washington Laws of 1990, the recommended applicant will
be required to complete a disclosure form indicating whether he or she has been convicted of crimes against persons listed in the law
In addition, a background check, based on fingerprints and at employee expense, will be requested from the FBI and Washington State
Patrol Employment status is contingent on verification or background check clearances.
Job Sharing: Pursuant to Chapter 206, laws of 1989, the District will accept applications from individuals wishing to share a position.
Nondiscrimination: The Lopez Island 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
employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:, Superintendent Brady Smith,
bsmith@lopezislandschool.org, Title IX Coordinator, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Human Resources, Sarah Rucker
hr@lopezislandschool.org, Section 504 Academic Case Manager, Robb Ellis -rellis@lopezislandschool.org, Section 504 OR contact by phone,
360-468-2202, OR mail to 86 School Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261.