Job Description

Posting number: 2026-08527

Department: School for the Blind

Job classification: INSTRUCTION & CLASSROOM SUPPORT TECHNICIAN 1

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Education, Student Services, Education, Training & Library

Summary

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Department at HR@wssb.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Agency Profile:

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 supports 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 are 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.

Examples of duties

On-Call Paraprofessionals work when needed to substitute for permanent employees during the school day providing instructional assistance and supervision of students under the direction of teachers within the classroom setting and other areas of the school such as the cafeteria. Successful candidates will communicate with teachers, supervisor, and staff members on student issues, concerns, and progress; maintain confidentiality regarding student-related issues; create and maintain a safe, secure, and clean learning environment. Additional duties can include but are not limited to assisting students with basic daily needs which include hygiene and toileting; provide on-going training and support in work experience settings; incorporating and using principles of orientation and mobility in all aspects of student interaction; incorporating IEP goals, objectives, and annual student evaluations using WSSB's Daily Living Skills Checklist assessment results.

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements & have the ability to...

• 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 be receptive to change in processes and procedures; the ability to learn and grow and take action to meet the needs of others.
• Ability to assist supervisor/instructor in classroom work, field trips, and lecture periods;
• Ability 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.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

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.

1. At a minimum, you must achieve a passing score on a state-approved assessment at least one of the following such as:
2. Minimum score of 455 ETS ParaPro Assessment, or
3. Minimum score of 220 on the Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment, or
4. Minimum score of 65% on The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program
5. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution.
6. Have completed 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or above from an accredited institution.
7. Successfully finish a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

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 or ability and willingness to obtain Braille certification.
• Experience with Daily Living Skills instruction for blind and low vision individuals and,
• Training and/or experience working with children with behavioral support needs.

Note: This recruitment can be used for multiple positions and shifts. On-Call staff are not eligible for the benefits listed in the Benefits tab of Neogov. However, on-call staff are eligible for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). On-Call staff are also eligible to accrue vacation on a pro rata basis in accordance with WAC 357-31-165. Holidays are paid in accordance with WAC 357-31-010. Personal holidays and sick time are paid in accordance with WAC 357-31-055 and WAC 357-31-115. The full salary range has been posted for information purposes only. New hires typically do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington agency 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 employee's base salary for recognized specialized skills (i.e. braille certification, etc.) that exceed the ordinary requirements for the position.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to requests regarding the status of your application. For a status report, you may login to governmentjobs.com to obtain information on your application status. 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

What We Offer! 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!

How to apply:

To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you should include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s):

• A completed online application profile that includes education (do not include graduation dates) and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will likely 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.
• For security purposes, please do NOT include attachments with your application as these will likely not be opened. Instead, we ask that you bring any cover letters, resumes, transcripts, letters of reference, etc. to any scheduled interview.
• Do not include your salary history when applying and remove or black out protected private information such as your social security number, date of birth, etc.

For questions or information regarding the online application, please email kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov.

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 and 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), 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 applicant's 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 Veteran's 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 Veteran's 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.