Paraeducator

Location

Whatcom Discovery Center
5275 Northwest Dr,
Bellingham, WA 98226

Position Summary

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The main job of a Paraeducator is to help students reach their academic and behavioral goals, as outlined in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Paraeducators also play a key role in keeping the school safe and running smoothly. They do this by supervising students, supporting lessons, managing behavior, and assisting with clerical tasks.

Two temporary one-year positions are available for the 2025-26 school year. Both positions are one-to-one support roles, where the Paraeducator supports one specific student

(Full job description)

Qualifications

High School diploma and one of the following required: Associate’s degree or higher; two years of education from an institute of higher education (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours); or proof of a score of 455 or higher on the ETS Parapro Assessment. Experience working with at-risk and adjudicated adolescents in an alternative environment is strongly preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required. Valid First-Aid/CPR certificate required or be willing to obtain.

Employment Conditions and Benefits

7 hours per day, Monday - Friday during the school year, 183 work days per school year

Two temporary one-year positions are available for the 2025-26 school year. Both positions are one-to-one support roles, where the Paraeducator supports one specific student.

Approximate start date: as soon as possible

Benefits Include: Medical Insurance; Dental and Vision insurance with 100% paid premiums for employee and eligible dependents; Annual Paid Leave - (9-10) Vacation days are rolled in to the annualized salary, (10) Sick days, (1) Floating Holiday, (7) observed Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave; Tuition Reimbursement; Long Term Disability; Basic Life Insurance $35k (w/voluntary additional coverage); WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Membership - Schools Employees' Retirement System (SERS), Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) offering 457 deferred savings plan; Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent Care; Voluntary Employees' Benefits Association (VEBA) participation; Employee Assistance Program; and Professional Development opportunities.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Work is performed in an educational environment for special needs students in which continual observation and awareness of the surroundings is critical. Must have sufficient stamina, fitness, and coordination to safely participate in physical containment procedures and recreational activities for sites where this activity is a possibility. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Transporting students may be required. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Due to the nature of the population of some programs, hazards include but are not limited to exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, spitting, fighting, kicking, hitting, punching, biting, scratching, hair pulling, throwing of objects and other forms of physical aggression.

Salary Range

How to Apply

Submit a complete application at nwesd.org/jobs. Applications for this position must include:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Transcripts (Official/unofficial) or ETS Parapro Assessment score documentation
• Other documents may be included at your discretion.