Paraprofessional

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Project Paraprofessional for the 2025/2026 school year! 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 Paraprofessional (Instruction and Classroom Support Technician 1) provides instruction and support to students and assists certificated Washington State School for the Blind staff in the education setting.

• Provide instruction in core academic areas designed by the teachers/specialists.
• Assist the special education teacher/general education teacher in the implementation of the student Individual Education Plan.
• Assist the teacher in preparing materials and collecting and recording data.
• Participate as a contributing member of a collaborative team. 
• Assist the teacher in implementing behavioral and social skills programs as designed and supervised by certificated staff. 
• Under the supervision of certificated staff, implement the district de-escalation and soft-restraint techniques as needed.
• Assist students with physical and mobility needs and personal care. 
• Assist secondary students with pre-vocational and transition activities. 
• Manage student equipment and assistive technology as needed. 
• Supervise and promote safety of students in multiple settings. 
• Administer, monitor, and document medication following the WSSB policy/procedures and student health care plan, as needed.
• Support class or school-wide projects and events that contribute to a positive and engaging learning environment. (Braille Challenge, Track Meet, etc.)
• Work on special projects or provide other supports as deemed necessary.
• Obtain and maintain Paraprofessional General Certificate as outlined by PESB and OSPI.

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. 

To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s). Please do not attach letters/resumes, transcripts, etc. as attachments will not be opened. (It is recommended that you bring them with you to any interview, as applicable.)

• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.

Please do not include salary history when applying and remove/black out private information such as your social security number, date of birth, dates of graduation, photos, etc.  For questions or information regarding the online application, please email kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov.

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, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Salary : $3,495 - $4,653