About the Department
Expected Start Date: May 2025, or as soon as possible
FTE: 0.875
Hours per day: 7.0
Salary Level: PA4
72 college level credits or passed the Para Pro Test $27.75
AA degree $28.50
BA or higher degree $28.75Union/Work Year: Tacoma Association of Education Support Professionals; 10-month; 195 days
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
Additional Information: This position is a temporary assignment for the 2025-2026 school year only, and assignment will conclude on the last student day (currently June 17th). The Temporary OSSI assignment will provide ML/ ELA Literacy support at Willie Stewart Academy.
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.Position Duties
This position facilitates the social and academic adjustment of bilingual students. The position provides direct instruction to individual bilingual students or groups of students.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Provides, under the direction of the classroom teacher, direct instruction to individual bilingual students or groups of students in various curriculum assignments or enrichment activities.
2. Relates concerns and cultural differences of students and parents to program and school staff; serves as a resource in activities intended to promote cross-cultural understanding.
3. Calls or visits and interviews families new to the District; submits interview forms to the bilingual program office; makes telephone contacts to students and their families for consultation related to school matters.
4. Assists teachers with classroom support functions as needed, including correcting papers, recording attendance, and duplicating curriculum materials.
5. Attends training sessions, workshops, and parent and/or staff conferences as assigned.
6. Serves as an interpreter as necessary during orientation, enrollment, counseling, and disciplinary procedures; translates/interprets school information including student records, District forms and publications, and related student-use materials for non-English speaking parents for program students only.
7. Provides bilingual translation/interpretation as needed to assist school staff in assessment of bilingual student learning skills, social adjustment needs, and in program implementation.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position by attending meetings, workshops and/or other in-service activities as assigned.
2. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
3. 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 work area; experiences frequent interruptions; exposed to infectious disease; may be required to deal with, and defuse, if appropriate, difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Associate’s degree or 72 credit hours of post-secondary education or passing state test to demonstrate knowledge and ability to assist in instructing students; previous experience working with school-aged youth is desired; 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
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of community and ethnic group resources.
Ability to relate effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public.
Fluency and literacy in English and the required second language.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.