About this role
JOB TITLE: Special Education Intervention Support Paraeducator GROUP: Classified SALARY: Paraeducator Salary Schedule FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt WORK DAYS PER FISCAL YEAR: 180 _________________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: The Special Education Intervention Support Paraeducator works closely with students receiving special education services who require additional academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, or functional support to be successful in school. Under the direction of certificated staff, this position helps implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, and other specialized supports that allow students to access instruction, develop independence, and participate meaningfully in their educational environment. This position provides direct support to students in a variety of settings, including general education classrooms, small groups, and specialized programs. The paraeducator assists students with learning, self-regulation, communication, social skills, organization, and behavioral success while helping maintain a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive learning environment. Successful candidates demonstrate patience, consistency, sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills, and a commitment to helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve greater independence. ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide direct instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and functional support to students receiving special education services under the direction of certificated staff.
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), safety plans, and other individualized student supports.
• upport students with significant behavioral, emotional, developmental, communication, and learning needs in a variety of educational settings, including general education classrooms, small groups, specialized programs, and community-based activities.
• Reinforce academic concepts, pre-teach and re-teach skills, facilitate student participation, and provide individualized support to help students access instruction and meet learning goals.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, coping, communication, problem-solving, social, organizational, and independent living skills appropriate to their individual needs.
• Implement positive behavior supports, reinforcement systems, behavior interventions, and restorative practices designed to increase student success and independence.
• Utilize approved de-escalation, crisis prevention, and safety intervention techniques when necessary to maintain a safe learning environment and support students during periods of behavioral escalation.
• Maintain awareness of student triggers, behavioral patterns, sensory needs, and individualized support strategies to proactively reduce barriers to learning and participation.
• Support students during transitions, arrival and dismissal, recess, lunch, transportation, assemblies, field trips, and other school activities as assigned.
• Assist students with personal care, mobility, health-related, adaptive, and daily living needs as required by student IEPs, health plans, or program requirements and as trained.
• Collect, record, and maintain accurate academic, behavioral, functional, and social-emotional data to support progress monitoring, IEP implementation, and educational decision-making.
• Assist special education teachers and related service providers with preparation of instructional materials, adaptive resources, visual supports, and specialized learning tools.
• Collaborate effectively with special education teachers, general education staff, related service providers, administrators, and families to support student growth and success.
• Promote student dignity, self-advocacy, independence, and meaningful participation in school and community activities.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with students while serving as a consistent, supportive, and appropriate role model.
• Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and relationship-based practices when supporting students and families.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with FERPA, district policies, and professional standards.
• Participate in staff meetings, training programs, IEP-related activities, professional development, and other district activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the nature of the position.
This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Chief Leschi Schools reserves the right to assign or modify duties consistent with operational needs. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (GED).
• Meet Washington State paraeducator requirements through one of the following:
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits); or
• Associate degree or higher; or
• Passing score on the Washington State approved paraeducator assessment.
• Proof of qualifications must be included with application materials.
• Must complete the Washington State Paraeducator Fundamental Course of Study requirements within state timelines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Associate degree or higher in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Child Development, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, or a related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience supporting students with disabilities, behavioral challenges, social-emotional needs, developmental differences, or other high-support needs in a school, youth-serving, or therapeutic setting.
• Experience implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), safety plans, and other individualized student supports.
• Training and/or experience in positive behavior supports, restorative practices, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, de-escalation techniques, crisis prevention, or behavior intervention strategies.
• Experience supporting students in inclusive educational settings and promoting student independence, self-advocacy, communication, social-emotional growth, and skill development.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including special education teachers, school psychologists, counselors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other related service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries, high expectations, sound judgment, and professionalism during periods of student behavioral or emotional dysregulation.
• Experience utilizing visual supports, assistive technology, adaptive equipment, communication systems, and other specialized instructional supports.
• Knowledge of special education laws, procedures, and best practices related to supporting students with disabilities in educational settings.
• Experience working with Native American students, families, tribes, or Indigenous communities and a demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive, relationship-based, and student-centered practices.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
• Successful criminal background clearance
• Successful and/or clear drug screening
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Principles and practices of special education service delivery within public school settings.
• Child and adolescent growth, development, and learning.
• Social-emotional development and factors that impact student behavior, engagement, and learning.
• Evidence-based instructional support strategies for diverse learners.
• Positive learning environments that promote student engagement, safety, and success.
• Behavioral functions, motivation, and strategies that support skill development and student independence.
• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and relationship-based educational practices.
• Methods for observing, monitoring, and documenting student performance and progress.
• Effective communication and collaboration practices within educational teams.
• Student confidentiality requirements, FERPA regulations, and professional ethics.
• School safety procedures, emergency response practices, and risk management principles.
• Native American cultures, traditions, and values, with an understanding of culturally responsive educational practices.
• Basic operation of instructional technology, communication systems, and educational software used in school settings.
ABILITY TO:
• Establish trust and rapport with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate patience, consistency, flexibility, and emotional self-control when working with students experiencing challenges.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to changing student needs and situations.
• Exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions within established procedures and assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
• Encourage student independence, self-advocacy, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.
• Follow written plans, verbal directions, procedures, and established protocols with accuracy and consistency.
• Observe student behavior and performance and communicate relevant information to appropriate staff.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Work effectively as a collaborative member of an educational team.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Adapt to changing priorities, schedules, assignments, and student needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all aspects of the position.
• Manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Serve as a positive role model for students.
• Work effectively and respectfully within a multicultural educational environment.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Director of Special Services or designee PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.
• Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination.
• This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY NOTICE: Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity. INDIAN PREFERENCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Leschi Schools provides employment opportunities without unlawful discrimination as defined by Tribal policy and aligns with applicable federal requirements where expressly required under law or the State-Tribal Education Compact. Nothing in this statement shall be construed as a waiver of CLS's or the Tribe's sovereign immunity.