Description Tacoma Public Schools Expected Start Date: September 1, 2024
FTE: 1 .0
Hours per day: 8 hours/day plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch for a total of 8.5 hours
Salary Level: PA4A $25.36 - No degree
PA4E $26.11 - AA degree
PA4F $26.36 - BA/BS or higher degree
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
Union/Days per year:Education Support Professional, 183 workdays, 10-month
Additional Information: 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.
Examples Of DutiesSUMMARY
This position provides guidance and resources to students to ensure completion of their High school and Beyond Plan in accordance with RCW 28A.230.090 and WAC 180-51-220. The High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) Navigator will assist and guide in the selection of the individual student’s courses and graduation pathway options, based on the career and education goals identified in the individual student’s plan.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provides daily accessible, consistent support, under the direction of the Reengagement Case Manager and Program Administrator, to students participating in reengagement instruction and activities, transitioning to employment and/or post-secondary instruction for the purpose of compliance with Reengagement Program regulations.Supports reengagement students with specialized assistance in the areas of career guidance and employment to break down barriers and build up assets for the purpose of assisting the students with a successful transition to employment and/or additional post-secondary education and to become more socially and economically self-sufficient.Assists the reengagement students, with guidance from the Reengagement Case Manager to access resources and other services from other professionals and programs for the purpose of assisting the reengagement students to be successful.Processes new student intakes and assessments from the Reengagement Case Manager; may assist the maintenance of an individual service plan for each student that includes educational, career and life skill goals with activities and timelines for meeting, checking progress on or adjusting those goals as needed; under direction and guidance of the Reengagement Case Manager may meet with individual students and, if needed, their family members to plan for their future and celebrate their successes for the purpose of assisting the students with a successful transition to employment and/or additional post-secondary education and to become more socially and economically self-sufficient.Maintains and safeguards accurate and complete student records by documenting meetings and detailing case notes on student assessment progress, important issues and events, and other records as required by District policy, the State, and Administrative regulations for the purpose of compliance with Reengagement Program regulations.May assist in pre-enrollment to potential students by helping them understand the program; may assist to secure the necessary school records and releases; may provide new student orientations; may track and document measures, academic progress and credentials earned by each student; may track student attendance for the purpose of compliance with Reengagement Program regulations.Focuses on the student to foster positive relationship building, growth and motivation leading to a stronger, more sustainable support network for the purpose of assisting the reengagement students to be successful.May assist the Reengagement Case Manager with providing follow- up support for students for one year after transition to employment and or post-secondary activities or have exited the program for the purpose of continued success inemployment and/or additional post-secondary education.
Collaborates effectively with Reengagement Center’s Case Manager, school staff, program Administrator and/or other department staff, as needed, in a team environment for the purpose of assisting the reengagement students to be successful. OTHER JOB DUTIES
Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONS
Alternative High School setting with an extended school year; required to deal with angry and distraught people; may exposed to infectious diseases; required to work flexible hours including evenings; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Minimum QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Associate degree or 72 credit hours of post-secondary education or passing state test to demonstrate knowledge and ability to assist students, completion of the Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study (FCS); at least two years successful experience working with at-risk students, especially those struggling to meet standards; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Licenses/Special Requirements
First Aid and CPR certification is required within 60 days of employment.
Required to attend MANDT or other District restraint training and maintain certification.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of Tacoma Public Schools programs and activities.
Knowledge of community and District resources.
Knowledge of District policies and procedures.
Knowledge of high school graduation requirements and post high school opportunities.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.
Skill in nurturing, encouraging, and motivating students.
Skill in effective use of technology to support learning.
Skill in operating a personal computer, peripheral equipment, and up-to-date software.
Ability to communicate and establish trusting relationships with students, teachers, and families.
Ability to recognize and effectively demonstrate culturally competent and culturally responsive practices for student success according to individual students’ needs and abilities.
Ability to solve problems and collaborate with staff and students to effect student success.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and effective professional relationships.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective trusting working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
Supplemental InformationSupplemental Information
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Tacoma Public Schools 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 employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
- Civil Rights Coordinator: Renee Trueblood, 253-571-1252, civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
- Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191, wgreer@tacoma.k12.wa.us
- 504 Coordinator: Elise Friedrich-Nielsen, 253-571-1065, efriedr@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Closing Date/Time: 1/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific