Special Education Occupational Therapy Para-Educator

PURPOSE STATEMENT

This position is responsible for assisting virtual certificated staff by performing instructional support tasks related to the students' educational development within the total school environment and by being a positive role model for students.

Essential Functions

• Provide instructional support for students who receive communication services through an IEP.
• Provide support and structure for students needing behavior and social skills support.
• Implement and reinforce social skills training programs.
• Assist certificated staff with required record-keeping, development of materials and preparation of teaching aids.
• Learn instructional techniques under the direction of a occupational therapist (OT).
• Collaboratively work with classroom teachers, virtual occupational therapist, and building leaders.
• Assist in assessing students.
• Perform routine tasks in monitoring and assisting student progress in therapy settings and other school activities.
• Assist certificated staff with required record keeping.
• Promote positive public relations when communicating with the public.
• Implement and reinforce sensory support programming for students.
  
  

Other Functions

• Perform routine classroom and building clerical tasks as needed.
• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
  
  

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the building administrator.
• Receives direction and guidance from other designated staff to include the OT.
  
  

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Required to deal with a wide range of student, staff and public behaviors and needs in a positive and service oriented manner.
• May experience shifts in work schedule or work site according to district needs.
• May occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students or parents.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Amount of standing, sitting and walking will vary depending on the age of students and classroom assignments.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED.
• AA Degree, 72 college level credits, or ability to pass the Federal Para-Educator test.
• Experience working with students in an educational setting and/or evidence of an interest in supporting learning experiences.
• Basic knowledge of use of technology: logging into systems, setting up computer programs, virtual meeting spaces.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents – including phone and email communication.
• Possess the desire to be a role model for students and to interact positively with students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the public.
  
  

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.
• Required to attend training for de-escalation procedures.
• May require a CPR/First Aid card depending on job assignment.
  
  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Para Educator on the PSE Classified Salary Schedule A
• 6.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, 189 days per school year; PSE Negotiated Agreement Salary Range, Retirement, SEBB Benefits, 9 Holidays, Paid Sick Leave
  
  

CONDITIONS

• District may revise assignment and job location as needed.
• The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.
  
  

Skills

The Walla Walla 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, gender 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 Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities. For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Barb Casey, Director of Special Education

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000