Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process, may call 360-696-6321 and ask to speak to the HR Consultant. You may dial 7-1-1 for the Washington Relay Service or 1-800-833-6388(Logo: Silhouette of Washington State with a lighthouse icon pointing to Vancouver)The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Project Paraprofessional! Project positions are limited duration with the potential for conversion to permanent positions in the future. (Many of our wonderful para's started out as project employees.) Project positions include a comprehensive total rewards package to include PEBB medical/dental/vision/life/disability and PERS benefits. Paraprofessionals work on a seasonal basis during the course of the school year, typically from late August until mid-June. About WSSB... The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the support and services they need to succeed. Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts. Our greatest resource at WSSB is our incredible staff. Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement. Duties The Paraprofessional (Instruction and Classroom Support Technician I) provides instruction and support to students and assists certificated Washington State School for the Blind staff in the education setting. Provide instruction in core academic areas designed by the teachers/specialists. Assist the special education teacher/general education teacher in the implementation of the student Individual Education Plan. Assist the teacher in preparing materials and collecting and recording data. Participate as a contributing member of a collaborative team. Assist the teacher in implementing behavioral and social skills programs as designed and supervised by certificated staff. Under the supervision of certificated staff, implement the district de-escalation and soft-restraint techniques as needed. Assist students with physical and mobility needs and personal care. Assist secondary students with pre-vocational and transition activities. Manage student equipment and assistive technology as needed. Supervise and promote safety of students in multiple settings. Administer, monitor, and document medication following the WSSB policy/procedures and student health care plan, as needed. Support class or school-wide projects and events that contribute to a positive and engaging learning environment. (Braille Challenge, Track Meet, etc.)Work on special projects or provide other support as deemed necessary. Obtain and maintain Paraprofessional General Certificate as outlined by PESB and OSPI. Qualifications Requirements include:To qualify for paraeducator positions in Washington State, candidates must meet the following criteria:Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional Qualifications: Fulfill at least one of the following: 1. Achieve a passing score on a state-approved assessment, such as: - ETS Para. Pro Assessment: Minimum score of 455. - Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment: Minimum score of 220. - The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program: Minimum score of 65%. 2. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution. 3. Have completed 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or above from an accredited institution. 4. Successfully finish a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. Ability and willingness to obtain Braille certification (WA UEB) within 1 year of hire. Ability and willingness to work daytime hours M-F (approximately 7 am-3:45 pm M-TH, 7 am-2:30 PM F or as needed to meet agency demands)Ability to independently perform duties with frequent interruptions;Ability/willingness to assist children with mobility activities;Ability/willingness to assist children with toileting and other personal needs as needed;Can provide clear and concise communication, both orally and in writing;Ability to apply problem-solving skills to issues as they arise;Willingness to maintain a positive attitude and take action to meet the needs of others and be receptive to change in processes and procedures and learn and grow. Able to assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods;Able to assist in the classroom with self-help needs;Can prepare materials for use in classrooms, laboratories or instructional shops; set up assignments, equipment or demonstration apparatus for classes; confer with instructor in establishing and developing assignments;Can stand and walk for long periods of time; and,Pass Federal and State background checks subject to all applicable laws and regulations. Desired Qualifications include:Experience working with blind and low vison individuals Demonstrated experience in an educational setting, preferably with middle and high school youth. UEB WA certified for braille competency. Experience with Daily Living Skills instruction for the blind and low vision and,Training and/or experience working with children with behavioral support need. Note: The full salary range has been posted for informational purposes only. Typically, new hires do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington experience in a similarly situated position as these are considered senior/longevity steps. Education/experience and skills and abilities will be considered for the proper placement of any final candidate. This position may be eligible for dual language pay, a premium of 5% which is added to an employee's base salary for recognized specialized skills (i.e. braille certification, speaking another language when required for the position, etc.) that exceed the ordinary requirements for the position. Additionally, this recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions and shifts including both project and permanent paraprofessional openings as need arises. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to requests regarding the status of your application. Please login to governmentjobs for any status update. This position will remain open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time so apply early for the best consideration.