Nine Mile Falls School District

Job Posting # 73-26/27

Job Title: Special Education Paraeducator – Behavior Support, 6.5 hrs. Per Day M, T, W, F and 6 hrs. Th

Open: 10/30/2026

First File Review: 11/06/2026

Supporting Students Through the School Day

This paraprofessional works beside the special education teacher to help students access learning, communicate their needs, and build independence. The work calls for patience, good judgment, and a calm, consistent presence.

This assignment emphasizes consistent support for students with significant behavioral needs, including relationship building, recognition of early signs of escalation, and implementation of individualized support plans as part of the classroom team.

Terms of Employment and Salary

The hourly rate range is $21.03–$27.44. Salary placement will be at Step 1 of the Nine Mile Classified Public Employees Association Collective Bargaining Agreement unless documentation of experience is received per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Collective Bargaining Agreement and Salary Schedules can be found on the For Employees page of the Nine Mile Falls School District website at 9mile.org. Nine Mile Falls policies and Procedures can be accessed online at 9mile.org under the Our District page.

Each employee shall accumulate up to twelve (12) days of sick leave per year. An employee employed less than a full work year shall be entitled to a proportionate part of the sick leave allowance. (Example: An employee working 10 months will receive 10 days of sick leave.) A maximum of three (3) Annual Leave days is provided for all employees based on the employee's scheduled employment hours per day to be used for an absence during work hours, or to be accumulated for the purpose of cash out, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Employees anticipated to work 630 hours or more per year will be eligible for Benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Standard benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability. Positions anticipated to work 70 hours or more per month for at least 5 months over a 12-month period are eligible for Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services.

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:15-2:15, Thursday: 7:45-2:15

Work Location: Lakeside Middle School

Nature and Scope of Job:
Assist the Special Education/Life Skills teachers in maintaining classroom activities and environment so that students may learn effectively, with an emphasis on meeting behavioral needs. Under supervision of certified staff, assist in implementing appropriate activities, both behavioral and academic, with students qualified for special education in general education and special education settings.

Position Reports To: Heather Gamboa, Lakeside Middle School Principal

Michelle Mace, Student Services Director

Classification: Special Education Paraeducator

Primary Job Functions:

Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce instruction designed and supervised by certificated special education staff, following student IEPs, BIPs, accommodations, and modifications.
Provide consistent support for assigned students across designated activities and transitions; communicate with staff during planned changes in coverage.
Build positive relationships and maintain a respectful, structured learning environment that supports student communication, participation, and independence.
Work cooperatively with a team of special education teachers, general education teachers, school psychologists, therapists, and administrators.
Coordinate with special education and general education staff in developing, implementing, and monitoring of behavior interventions and supports.
Recognize early signs of escalation and use taught prevention, redirection, reinforcement, and de-escalation strategies.
Implement behavior intervention plans as trained and directed by certificated staff and designated specialists. Record objective behavior data and report patterns, concerns, and responses to interventions.
As part of a team, assisting in ensuring behavior plans are being implemented appropriately and consistently.
Maintain assigned supervision, respond promptly to changing safety needs, and request trained staff assistance when needed. Use physical crisis response techniques only within completed training, district procedures, and applicable law; never for punishment or routine compliance.
Share relevant student information with certificated staff.
Support student use of instructional technology and communication tools as directed.
Monitor student work, assist with assigned assessments, and support classroom preparation, clerical tasks, and guest teachers.
Maintain accurate, timely, confidential student records and complete required incident reports.
Participate in team meetings and required training.
Follow student supervision and safety procedures and report injuries or hazards.
Supervise students during field trips and approved school or community activities; transport students only when authorized and assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned that are reasonably related to the position’s purpose, responsibilities, and coordination with related district roles, consistent with the position’s classification, applicable collective bargaining agreements, district policy, and law.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Required Qualifications (Traits, Education, Experience, Training, physical requirements, etc.):

High School Diploma or Equivalent,
Documentation of a passing grade on;
ETS Parapro Assessment (455); or
Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment (220) (Available in December 2023) or:
The Master Teacher Ins. Paraeducator Online Training Program (65%); or
Unofficial Transcript of an Associate of Arts degree; or
Have earned seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at an institution of higher education (provide unofficial transcripts) or
Completed a registered apprenticeship program.
WSP/FBI Clearance
Valid Drivers License and required auto insurance
Maintain regular, reliable attendance and follow the assigned schedule, subject to applicable leave and accommodation protections.
Communicate clearly, demonstrate basic reading, math, and recordkeeping skills, maintain confidentiality, and work collaboratively with students, staff, and families.
Remain calm and respond appropriately to student distress, disruptive behavior, and physical aggression using district-approved strategies after required training.
Follow student plans, district policies, and safety procedures; complete required paraeducator and district training.

Desired Qualifications

Experience supporting students receiving special education services, and students with behavioral or communication needs; experience with positive behavior supports, de-escalation, and behavior data collection.
Right Response trained or able to complete district provided Right Response training within the first month of employment.

Equipment Used

Computers, instructional software, classroom technology, and assistive technology tools, as trained and directed.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

Stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; bend, kneel, stoop, and reach while supporting students and classroom activities.
Lift and move instructional materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, using appropriate equipment or assistance as needed.
Move promptly and maintain safe positioning during sudden student movements or physical aggression, follow trained response procedures, and obtain assistance when needed.
Escort and supervise students during classroom transitions, lunch, library visits, field trips, and other assigned activities.

Work Environment

Work occurs in general education and special education classrooms, other school settings, including but not limited to, cafeteria, outside areas, hallways, gymnasium, auditorium, locker rooms, parking lots, school transportation vehicles, and approved community environments.
Indoor conditions include fluorescent or LED lighting, variable noise levels, and temperatures that may fluctuate in areas without air-conditioning.
Outdoor supervision may involve exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
Behavioral incidents may involve physical aggression and risk of injury.

APPLICATION STEPS

Submit a complete application through RedRover.

Upon Hire
If an offer of employment is made, new employees must complete a background check for criminal history, including a fingerprint check by the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of the criminal history background check and approval by the Nine Mile Falls School District Board of Directors.

In the Nine Mile Falls School District

… each student will succeed

… effective instruction is paramount

… quality leadership matters

… reflection improves our practice

… we are each other's best resource

… positive relationships are foundational to our success

We continue to act in a way that matches our beliefs.

For questions, please contact:
Kyle Stussi, Human Resources Specialist
(509) 340-4302

The Nine Mile Falls School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Jeff Baerwald
10110 W Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls WA
99026
509-340-4300
JBaerwald@9mile.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Michelle Mace
10110 W Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls WA 99026
509-340-4300
MMace@9mile.org

Special Education Paraprofessional-Behavior Support