Posting number: 26-27-05377
Department: Support Services
Division: Special Education / SUPPSVC
Job classification: Education Support Professional, Special Education
Posting type: Open
Categories: Paraprofessional, K-12
Tacoma Public Schools
Expected Start Date: September 2, 2026
FTE: 0.8125
Hours per day: 6.5
Salary Level
PA4H $27.56 - No degree
PA4J $28.31 - AA degree
PA4K $28.56 - BA/BS or higher degree
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
This position requires completion and attaining of the state mandated General Paraeducator Certificate. The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducator/Education Support Professionals (ESP), and supports a career growth ladder for those who wish to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.
Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district. The first two days of FCS training will be required to be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.This position assists a certificated teacher with instructional and personal care needs for students with a broad range of disabilities, including medically fragile, orthopedically impaired, developmental, physical, and/or behavioral. The position provides academic interventions and may include assisting students with activities of daily living.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Provides instruction to students individually or in small groups in assigned learning or “center” activities per direction of teacher; may implement lesson/activity assigned by specialists; provides assistance as necessary to students with sensory or physical handicaps; promotes and monitors a safe environment conducive to the instructional process; may perform vocational training with students according to their individual needs as assigned by the teacher or specialist; may assist students with job hunting skills and job application procedures and encourages students to participate in all learning activities.
2. May instruct students in self-care activities or carry out activities such as feeding, dressing and toileting; may perform diapering/toileting assistance and changing of sanitary napkins and colostomy bags, brushing teeth, inserting orthodontics and suctioning machines, tube or pump feeding; may restrain and calm students when they become self-abusive or violent toward others; monitors and protects students through seizures and other physical emergencies; performs sensory stimulation activities as assigned; uses adaptive equipment; may assist students to perform activities during adaptive physical education; may administer and log medications as assigned, as trained by the licensed school nurse or appropriate therapist.
3. Supervises students during recess or lunch periods; may supervise students in locker/shower rooms and restrooms; assists students in bus loading or unloading; instructs bus drivers on proper physical and/or behavioral support of students; may transport students as needed throughout the school or building premises.
4. Records student progress on data sheets, daily logs and prepares reports to assist the teacher; maintains communication with classroom teacher, program administrator and/or other school staff; may assist in assessing students; communicates with parents/guardians as assigned; maintains student records; collects and records data for the teacher on student progress toward IEP goals and objectives, behavioral plans, and grooming plans in addition to academic progress.
5. May be required to adjust position of students with physical disabilities periodically throughout the day to protect skin and ensure comfort; implement occupational therapy and physical therapy as instructed by specialists; use and teach basic sign language with students as needed; monitors students constantly to ensure safety.
6. May prepare and serve lunches and snacks for students in the assigned program; may clean dishes, utensils, and eating area following snack periods.
7. Models positive and appropriate behavior for students; corrects inappropriate behavior and demonstrates and discusses appropriate behavior; instructs students in appropriate conflict resolution as directed; administers discipline according to District guidelines and assists in classroom management.
8. Assists teacher in adapting materials and activities as directed; may assist in administering standardized tests as assigned; uses special teaching techniques, computer software, and adaptive equipment to meet the needs of students with particular disabilities, as assigned; arranges classroom furniture and materials for activities; may accompany students on field trips and camp activities; may accompany student to off-site jobs several times per week to supervise work; may supervise and provide instruction with students in general education classes.
9. Participates in department staff meetings; provides information regarding students.
10. May use specialized adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, wedges, standers, side-layers, etc.; assists in adapting and maintaining equipment for student use.
11. May coordinate computer activities for students with disabilities; maintains and troubleshoots equipment; assists in the scheduling of students to use equipment; maintains equipment and software.
12. Demonstrates reasonable, reliable and regular attendance to prevent undue hardship that would create negative effects for instruction and related activities on the students and the program; adheres to District policy per general Employee Conduct rules regarding tardiness and unauthorized absences.
13. Addresses concerns with appropriate teaching staff and/or therapy staff and/or building administrators as appropriate.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
1. May perform cleansing intermittent catheterizations after receiving required training.
2. Provides general clerical assistance in the classroom; duplicates materials and completes necessary paperwork.
3. Supervises students in the classroom during teacher’s brief breaks.
4. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis; may work in more than one classroom as assigned by building administrator.
5. May perform, after received required training, physical restraint of student if student is harm to self or others.
6. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONS
May be confined to a work area for prolonged periods; may be required to lift and move students or materials; may be exposed to bodily fluids and infectious disease; may be exposed to high noise levels; substantial requirement to deal with distraught and/or potentially violent situations and/or people; may be required to regularly travel to other District sites; may be exposed to inclement weather; may be required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Education and Experience
Associate degree or 72 credit hours of post- secondary education or passing state test to demonstrate knowledge, demonstrated ability to assist in instructing students, and one year of experience in working with special needs individuals who may have severe disabilities or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work and that meets federal and state requirements.
Licenses/Special Requirements
CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to be trained within the first 90 days of employment.
Required to attend District restraint training and maintain certification.
May be required to complete cleansing intermittent catheterization (CIC) training.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Allowable Substitution
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be evaluated by the Human Resources Department for comparability.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities. Knowledge of assigned subject areas and basic learning styles.
Knowledge of effective instructional methods for students with disabilities. Knowledge of safe and proper methods of lifting and positioning of students. Knowledge of basic sign language skills (for designated positions.)
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to defuse student conflict and de-escalate situations. Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information.
Ability to use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively and collegially with staff, community and students, including students with special needs.
Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach and lift to attend to the physical needs of the students.
Ability to work in inclement weather.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to organize and coordinate activities.
Ability to feed, diaper, and provide toileting and/or other personal assistance to students.
Ability to be sensitive to students who are unable to communicate their needs. Ability to appropriately restrain students as necessary.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective civil and collegial working relationships with a variety of people in a multicultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, 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, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator:
Tiffany Davis-Brantley
253-571-1252,civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Section 504 Coordinator: Laura Tuman
253-571-1086,504Coordinator@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Tacoma Public Schools
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1357
Tacoma, WA 98401-1357
