Special Education EXCEL Paraeducator 04/2024
JOB DESCRIPTION
Puyallup School District
PESPA Level III
Special Education - EXCEL Paraeducator
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this position is to support our district's special education program which provides services to students
having moderate to profound physical and developmental disabilities, including some students who are non- ambulatory
and non-verbal. Instruction and therapy focus on functional academics, communication and living skills. Responsibilities
vary with the individual assignment, but typically include instruction of students, monitor student behavior, student
hygiene, classroom housekeeping, and preparation of materials, testing, and data collection/reporting.
Essential Functions
- Instructs/tutors students individually or in a small group setting under the direction of certificated employee(s).
- Acts as an instructional resource for classroom teachers
- Assists in the evaluation of student needs and in preparation of appropriate lessons and materials in collabor ation
with certified personnel
- Helps prepare and adapt lessons and activities with teacher approval, to be used as class room activities and
instruction
- Facilitates student involvement in school activities and community access
- Attends to the personal hygiene needs of students, including diapering, toileting, catheterization, tube feeding,
dressing and wheelchair transfer; may lift children when necessary to accommodate personal hygiene needs
- Maintains and/or assists with student behavior including maintenance of positive student behavior
- Assists with the supervision of students during building activities, such as assemblies, building emergency drills
and special programs
- Monitor students with medical plans (possible seizures)
- Assist certificated staff with de-escalation and restraint based on individual student plans and approved district
training
Other Functions
- May attend building meetings and events i.e., staff meetings, open house, and/or related in-service
activities/workshops
- May serve on building committees
- May be called upon to provide bus riding support
- May attend program meetings and events, i.e. department meetings, open house, and or related in -service
activities/workshops
- Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work
environment
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must meet minimum state requirements for Paraeducators
Knowledge and Skills
Specialized knowledge and skills required to perform assigned tasks
First aid/CPR required
De-escalation training required
Tube feeding training required
Some experiential skills required to perform assigned tasks
Special Education EXCEL Paraeducator 04/2024
Intermediate oral/written communications required
Primary level responsibilities require basic curriculum skills
The job is frequently required to function in complex situations
Responsibility
- Tasks require some independent judgment with consultation of supervisor or administrator
- Decisions are made within assigned tasks
- Decisions are made to achieve structured results
- Occasionally required to resolve unexpected issues
- Regular discretion and access to confidential/privileged information
- High risk or impact if errors are made
Planning & Organizing
- Planning/organization of own work in coordination of work of others
- Reporting required within classroom or building
- Collecting and some assessment of data or reporting
Working Conditions
- Moderate Interruptions
- Limited Deadlines
- Limited emotionally charged interactions
- Work requires moderate safety precautions
- Moderate exposure to weather conditions
- Frequent risk/exposure to human borne pathogens
- Requires normal safety precautions when working with students
- Frequent exposure to noise
- Limited exposure to swimming pools
- Moderate standing (31-60%)
- Frequent lifting (31+ lbs. / frequently)
- Moderate prolonged sitting (31-60%)
- Moderate carrying (11-30 lbs. / occasionally)
- Frequent transferring of students
- Frequent stooping and bending
- Limited twisting
- Moderate fine dexterity
- Frequent pushing and/or pulling
- Frequent diapering
- Frequent tube feeding
- Frequent hand feeding
Required Testing
Successfully pass the Paraeducator Test
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance