Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional

Salary

$3,495.00 - $4,653.00 Monthly

Location

Clark County - Vancouver, WA

Job Type

Project (limited duration)

Job Number

2026-03441

Department

School for the Blind

Opening Date

04/23/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 paras 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 ParaPro 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 7am-3:45pm M-TH, 7am-2:30PM 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 employees 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.

Supplemental Information

To begin the online application process, click the Apply button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s). Please do not attach letters/resumes, transcripts, etc. as attachments will not be opened. (It is recommended that you bring them with you to any interview, as applicable.)

• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.

Please do not include salary history when applying and remove/black out private information such as your social security number, date of birth, dates of graduation, photos, etc. For questions or information regarding the online application, please email kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov.

What WSSB Offers: WSSB offers employees a student-focused and mission-driven environment that empowers blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All: The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences. We are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital or familial status, pregnancy (including childbirth, or related medical conditions/involving womens health), sex including sexual orientation and gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicants character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicants expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.

Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call (360) 696-6321 and ask to speak to Human Resources or email hr@wssb.wa.gov. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email Kristina.Bader@wssb.wa.gov.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you at least eighteen years of age in line with Washington State Paraeducator requirements?

• Yes
• No

02

(300 346F H31 R1) Do you have a high school diploma or GED or equivalent education/experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you received a passing score on the ParaPro test, Pearson Paraprofessional assessment, or The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator online training program?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program (for classified employees in the state of Washington) registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have an Associates degree or higher from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov