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About Kennewick School District – A Community of Innovation and Inclusion
Kennewick School District (KSD) serves a vibrant, growing community in the heart of Washington’s Columbia Basin. Recognized for its forward‑thinking educational strategies, KSD blends rigorous academics with a deep commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and student well‑being. The district’s mission is to empower every learner—especially those with unique needs—to achieve their fullest potential. Through robust professional development, collaborative leadership, and a culture that celebrates diversity, KSD has become a model for inclusive education across the Pacific Northwest.
Why This Role Matters
The Tier II Autism Program at Kamiakin High School is a cornerstone of KSD’s dedication to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a Paraeducator & Student Support Specialist, you will be the steady, compassionate presence that bridges instructional goals with everyday classroom realities. Your work will directly influence academic progress, social development, and the overall confidence of students navigating both general‑education and specialized learning environments.
Position Overview
This full‑time, 6‑hour‑per‑day (180‑day) position is based at Kamiakin High School, with the flexibility of remote documentation work as needed. Immediate openings are available, and hours may fluctuate to align with student enrollment and program demands. As a valued member of the educational team, you will collaborate closely with special‑education teachers, fellow paraeducators, and allied specialists (e.g., speech‑language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavior analysts).
Core Responsibilities
- Direct Student Support: Provide one‑on‑one and small‑group assistance to Tier II autism students during academic instruction, recess, physical education, music, and library periods.
- Instructional Implementation: Execute prescribed instructional strategies, behavioral interventions, and individualized education plan (IEP) goals under the guidance of the lead teacher.
- Data Collection & Documentation: Accurately record student performance data, behavior logs, and progress notes to inform ongoing assessment and compliance with state regulations.
- Classroom Management: Assist with maintaining a safe, orderly, and positive learning climate by supervising transitions, de‑escalating challenging behaviors, and supporting peer interactions.
- Clerical Support: Prepare lesson materials, manage attendance records, enter time‑card information, and handle routine communications with families and staff.
- Collaboration & Communication: Participate in team meetings, IEP reviews, and professional development sessions; share observations and recommendations with teachers and specialists.
- Physical & Health Assistance: Provide support for students’ physical needs, including mobility assistance, basic first aid, and adherence to individualized health plans.
- Compliance & Safety: Follow all district policies, including Safe Schools training, CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) protocols, and background‑check requirements.
- Additional Duties: Flexibly assume other duties as assigned, such as supervising extracurricular activities, assisting with school events, or covering for fellow staff members.
Essential Qualifications (Required)
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Associate’s degree or at least 72 quarter (or 48 semester) college credits, or a passing score on the ETS assessment.
- Unofficial transcript confirming degree/credits attached to application; official transcript required within 30 days of hire.
- Demonstrated ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Successful completion of a basic skills test and Safe Schools web‑based training (within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter).
- Clear background check, including employee‑paid fingerprinting.
- Current Level I & II CPI certification (or willingness to obtain promptly).
- First‑aid certification or willingness to obtain it immediately.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications (e.g., word processing, email, student‑information systems).
Preferred Qualifications (Desired)
- Previous experience supporting students with autism, especially in a Tier II setting.
- Familiarity with evidence‑based instructional and behavioral programs (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis, TEACCH, PECS).
- Strong data‑collection skills, including the ability to track IEP objectives and behavior metrics.
- Demonstrated patience, warmth, and composure in crisis or high‑stress situations.
- Ability to model appropriate social and academic behaviors for students.
- Excellent attendance, punctuality, and reliability record.
- Experience with “team‑teaching” environments and collaborative planning.
- Physical capability to safely move, support, or, when necessary, apply CPI‑approved restraint techniques.
Key Skills & Competencies for Success
- Empathy & Relationship‑Building: Create trusting, respectful connections with students, families, and colleagues.
- Behavioral Insight: Recognize early signs of dysregulation and implement proactive interventions.
- Organizational Acumen: Manage multiple documentation streams while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
- Physical Stamina: Remain active throughout the school day, ready to respond quickly to student needs.
- Problem‑Solving: Adapt instructional support plans on the fly to meet emergent classroom dynamics.
- Collaboration: Work seamlessly with teachers, specialists, and administration to align support strategies.
- Professionalism: Uphold district policies, maintain a positive attitude, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Kennewick School District invests heavily in its staff’s professional development. As a Paraeducator in the Tier II Autism Program, you will have access to:
- Ongoing workshops on autism‑specific instructional strategies and behavioral interventions.
- Mentorship programs pairing you with experienced special‑education teachers.
- Pathways to certification as a Special Education Teacher, behavior analyst, or related specialist role.
- Funding for conferences, online courses, and advanced degrees through district tuition‑reimbursement initiatives.
- Leadership opportunities, such as serving on the district’s Inclusion Advisory Council.
Work Environment & Culture
At Kamiahin High School, you will join a supportive, student‑centered community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The environment is characterized by:
- Collaborative Teams: Daily interaction with enthusiastic teachers, dedicated paraprofessionals, and skilled specialists.
- Safe & Respectful Spaces: A school climate that prioritizes physical safety, emotional well‑being, and respectful communication.
- Inclusive Practices: Regular professional discourse on cultural competence and universal design for learning.
- Modern Facilities: Access to well‑equipped classrooms, adaptive technology rooms, and outdoor recreation areas.
- Flexibility: Opportunities for remote documentation, flexible scheduling to accommodate program fluctuations, and a supportive administration that values work‑life balance.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
The district offers a competitive salary range of $19.67‑$23.36 per hour (as defined by the collective bargaining agreement), commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement savings options with district matching contributions.
- Paid leave—including vacation, sick days, and personal leave.
- Professional‑development stipend and tuition reimbursement.
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and family counseling.
- Wellness initiatives such as on‑site fitness classes, mental‑health workshops, and wellness challenges.
- Access to district‑wide resources like libraries, childcare referrals, and transportation benefits.
Application Process & Next Steps
Ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of students with autism? Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the Kennewick School District’s career portal at www.choosekennewick.com and locate the posting for “CL19961: Para/SS/Tier II Autism Program – Kamiakin.”
- Complete the online application, attaching an unofficial transcript that verifies your associate degree or credit‑hour eligibility.
- Submit a concise cover letter that highlights your experience with autism support, your collaborative mindset, and your enthusiasm for the role.
- Include two professional references who can speak to your work ethic and interpersonal skills.
- After submission, a member of our Human Resources team will review your materials and contact you to schedule an interview.
All applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt. The selection process may include a skills assessment, a short‑answer questionnaire, and an on‑site demonstration of support techniques.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Kennewick School District is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate the richness of our community and are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact our Associate Superintendent for Human Resources at [email protected] or call (509) 222‑5010.
Join Us – Make a Difference Today!
If you are passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and academic growth for students with autism, we invite you to become a pivotal part of our Tier II Autism Program at Kamiakin High School. This role offers the rare chance to blend hands‑on student interaction with collaborative planning, all within a district that values innovation, respect, and continuous learning. Apply now and start a rewarding career that truly changes lives.
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