WAHLUKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF TASKS
Position Establishment is Pending Board Approval
Available To Begin 2026-2027 School Year
Position: Special Education STAR Classroom Instructional Assistant/Para Pro, Resource Room; Elementary Grades. 2 Positions Available
Reports to: Classroom Teacher, Special Education Director, Building Principal
Employee Union Representation available by Public School Employees
Representative District (PSE) Collective Bargaining Agreement
Group:
Salary Range Special Education Resource Room Para-Pro Salary Placement- Current PSE Contract Salary Schedule
Benefits: Position qualifies for employer contribution to medical benefits; Retirement contributions and plans. Earned sick leave, 10 days per year or prorated from date of hire; personal days, 4 days per year or prorated from date of hire; up to 10 paid holidays per year.
Summary: Assignment: 7.25 hours per day, 180 days of school year calendar; Special Education para pro assignment locations may change depending upon program need. Assist certified staff to coordinate and perform instructional and support tasks related to the students’ educational, emotional and physical development within the total school environment. Assist certified staff in implementing individualized educational programs for students with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Under the direction of the special education teacher, the para pro provides direct instructional support utilizing the STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research) evidence-based practices, and individualized behavior support plans. Supports students, individually or in groups, in developing communication, social, academic, adaptive, and functional skills while fostering independence and meaningful participation within the school environment. with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts. Possess computer and application skills and ability to become proficient in necessary software. Demonstrated ability to work successfully with staff and students. May include other duties. Bilingual Spanish helpful.
Typical Work:
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Perform routine tasks in monitoring and assisting student progress in classrooms and other school activities.
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Discusses assigned teaching area with classroom teacher/special education director to coordinate instructional efforts.
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Provide Spanish instruction and translation when necessary/required.
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Proctor tests, quizzes, drills and other exercises designed by certified staff.
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Lift and maneuver children and /or equipment.
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Assist in organizing and monitoring recreational activities.
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Accompany groups of students on field trips and other outings.
Instructional Support
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Implement instructional programs developed by certified special education staff utilizing the STAR curriculum framework.
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Deliver instruction through Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Functional Routines Instruction, and other evidence-based instructional strategies.
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Provide one-to-one, small group, and classroom-based instruction to students with autism and developmental disabilities.
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Collect and maintain accurate student performance and behavioral data as directed by the teacher.
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Assist in monitoring student progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
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Prepare instructional materials, visual supports, communication systems, and adaptive learning resources.
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Support students in general education settings to promote inclusion and access to grade-level curriculum when appropriate.
Behavioral Support
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Implement individualized behavior intervention plans and positive behavior support strategies.
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Utilize proactive de-escalation techniques and reinforcement systems to support student engagement and success.
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Assist students in developing self-regulation, communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills.
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Maintain consistency in behavioral expectations and instructional procedures across environments.
Communication and Social Skills
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Support students in developing functional communication skills using verbal language, visual supports, AAC devices, and other communication systems.
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Facilitate peer interactions and social opportunities throughout the school day.
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Reinforce social skills instruction and community participation opportunities.
Adaptive and Functional Skills
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Assist students in developing independence with daily living skills, vocational tasks, self-care routines, and school-based functional activities.
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Support students with transitions, organization, and participation in classroom and school routines.
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Assist students with personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, feeding, mobility, and hygiene as necessary. All aspects of providing custodial care for students.
School and Program Support
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Collaborate with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families to support student success.
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Supervise students in but no limited to: classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, community-based instruction settings, transportation areas, and field trips. All areas where students may be.
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Participate in training related to autism, behavior management, communication systems, safety procedures, and the STAR curriculum.
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Perform clerical and organizational duties necessary to support the classroom program.
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Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate demonstrates patience, flexibility, consistency, and a commitment to maintaining high expectations for students with significant support needs. The candidate understands that all student behaviors communicate a need and is committed to using evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices to promote student growth, independence, and dignity.
Qualifications:
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High School Diploma
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Bilingual Spanish fluency preferred.
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An AA degree, or two years of college level coursework, or pass a basic skills test. Required to complete State Fundamental Course of Study for para educators and committed to accomplish the required General Para Education certificate.
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Successfully complete a written Spanish/English translation test if required.
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Experience with children or students in an educational setting and / or evidence of an interest in supporting learning experiences for school aged students preferred.
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Experience working with students with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, or significant behavioral needs preferred.
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Knowledge of or willingness to be trained in:
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STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research)
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Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
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Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
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Functional Routines Instruction
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles
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Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems
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Ability to collect instructional and behavioral data accurately and consistently.
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Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and families.
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Ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations.
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Preferred qualifications include experience implementing evidence-based instructional programs for students with autism and developmental disabilities, particularly the STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research), with a strong foundation in discrete trial training, pivotal response training, and teaching functional routines.
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Proficient and confident in use of computers and electronic devices and web-based applications including Google suite and email.
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Possess basic clerical skills
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Familiarity with first aid procedures.
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally with assistance, 20 lbs occasionally unaided, up to 10 lbs frequently.
- Able and expected to attend work as scheduled.
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Able to model appropriate professional behavior.
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Ability to solve practical problems, apply appropriate judgment and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists.
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Ability to maneuver to perform the functions associated with school and child activities at all age levels including, kneeling, bending, squatting, lifting.
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Expected to wear appropriate and safe attire and grooming for the learning environment. Ability to work collaboratively, respectively and civilly with coworkers, students, families and community.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and district records required.
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Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of student and district records and professional boundaries.
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Required to participate and successfully pass a Washington State Patrol/FBI fingerprint background check.
Physical Requirements: This position typically requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium Work: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally with assistance, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move can carry objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.
The Wahluke School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, homelessness, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, age, or honorably discharged veteran or military status. This holds true for all programs and services. The District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance/complaint procedures may be directed to the school district’s Civil Rights Coordinator at [email protected]; Title IX Director at [email protected] or (509)932-4477; Section 504/ADA Coordinator, at [email protected] or (509)932-4565 or by mail at 411 E. Saddle Mt. Dr., Mattawa, WA 99349.
Wahluke is an Equal Opportunity Employer
