Posting Period: Open until Filled ; Interested and qualified internal classified staff (within the RCA bargaining group) must apply within 5 working days of the job being posted (Posting Date: 2/19/2026)
To view the full job posting, see attached pdf or view here
Employment with Ridgefield School District is conditional on:
- An approved criminal background clearance through OSPI, Washington State Patrol, and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Drug/Alcohol screening
- Completion of an Employment Eligibility Verification form (USCIS Form I-9) presenting proof of identity and employment authorization status
- Completion of all district-required training within sixty (60) calendar days from hire date
Continued employment expectations include: compliance with all District policies and procedures, Code of Professional Conduct, and all applicable state and federal laws; maintaining consistent presence at assigned worksite, regular work hours, punctuality, and regular attendance; maintaining any certifications that were required upon hiring; completing annual required training in accordance with District requirements; and obtaining or maintaining a CPR and First Aid Card, if required.
Nondiscrimination Statement:
The Ridgefield School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the requirements of the ADA. The Ridgefield 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: Luke LeCount, Executive Director of Employee Services, Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX/HIB (360) 619-1367;luke.lecount@ridgefieldsd.org, Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Kalin Heath, Assistant Director of Employee Services, 510 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA, 98642;(360)619-1314;Kalin.Heath@ridgefieldsd.org, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Curtis McConnell, Special Education Services Director, 510 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA, 98642;(360)619-1348;Curtis.McConnell@ridgefieldsd.org
Individuals with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to attend a program or activity sponsored by the Ridgefield School District should contact the ADA Coordinator 24 hours in advance of the event to inquire about reasonable accommodation. Deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired individuals may access Washington Relay Services by calling 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
From PDF Description
Special Education High Needs Paraprofessional - Class I
(South Ridge Elementary)
Category: Paraprofessional
Classification: Class I - Paraprofessional
Location: South Ridge Elementary
Reports To: Building Principal, Program Supervisor or Designee
Work Year: 191 days includes 11 holidays ; following Ridgefield School District’s
academic calendar - Prorated for late hire
Daily Schedule: 6.75 hours per day ; 8:40 AM - 3:55 PM (includes ½ hour unpaid
lunch) Monday - Friday
Salary Range: $26.78 - $33.48, depending on verified like experience
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, basic long-term disability, basic life and
A&D insurance through the School Employees Benefits
Board(SEBB). Details can be found here
Retirement: Eligibility is based on FTE and is provided through the
Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
Information can be found here.
Other Benefits: This position is represented by the Ridgefield Classified
Association. Information pertaining to the various leave types,
holidays, etc., can be found in the RCA Collective Bargaining
Agreement located here.
Our Commitment
At Ridgefield School District, we believe that strong schools build strong communities.
We are committed to fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration where
every student, staff member, and family feels valued and supported. We strive to eliminate
barriers to success and ensure that every student—regardless of background or
circumstance—receives a high-quality education.
We are looking for team members who share our dedication to student success and who
bring diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences to our schools. At Ridgefield, no one
works in isolation—our success is built on teamwork, shared responsibility, and collective
effort. We value collaboration, continuous learning, and creative ideas. Together, we are
building a district where every student is supported, every voice is valued, and every leader
is empowered to make a difference. Together, We Are Ridgefield!
Position Summary
Under the direction of the certificated teacher, provide supervision and instructional
support to high needs special education students with severe learning, emotional,
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behavioral, and/or physical handicaps, in either group settings, on an individual basis and/or
in a structured classroom environment in order to facilitate independence and integration
into a classroom setting.
Duties
May include but are not limited to:
● Assist the Special Education Teacher, consistent with IEP or IFSP goals, in lesson plan
preparation; one-on-one & small group instruction; classroom management; and
student observation and assessment.
● Collect data, maintain accurate records and report child progress as directed by the
Special Education Teacher.
● Assist teachers in the preparation and delivery of behavioral plan specific to student's
individual learning needs.
● Assist in recreational, playground, and/or physical education activities.
● Communicate with staff and parents as directed by the Special Education Teacher.
● Apply strategies and techniques to foster independence, self-reliance and social
skills.
● Use positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques to assist
students in the development of appropriate behavior.
● Assist students with basic personal care activities such as dressing and grooming;
toileting or bathroom including catheterization; feeding, including tube feeding.
● Accompany and supervise students on bus transportation to and from school.
● Adhere to standards of confidentiality about students and staff.
● Supervise students in designated instructional areas to ensure a safe and orderly
environment in accordance with District and school rules and regulations.
● Provide feedback to teachers on student progress and grade any student work for
teachers as directed.
● Implement and oversee instructional curriculum (on/off-line) as directed.
● Assist with student and classroom behavior management, consistent with the IEP or
IFSP.
● Escort students to and from locations as needed.
● Assist with clerical work as assigned.
● Operate and maintain office/computer equipment as assigned.
● Notify appropriate authority immediately in the event of any incident occurring on
school premises.
● Assist in the carrying out of Emergency Response Protocols, Behavior Intervention
Plans, and during safety incidents requiring reasonable force.
● Perform physical tasks, including long periods of sitting, standing, stooping, and
repeated lifting up to 50 pounds.
● Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Ability to carry out the policies and procedures of the school relative to student safety
and behavior management.
● Ability to work instructionally, one-on-one or in small groups with students under the
direct supervision of Program Supervisor/Special Education Teacher.
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● Ability to communicate and carry out District/building rules, regulations and
procedures.
● Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults.
● Possess strength and agility to provide assistance and attend to the physical needs of
students including but not limited to: tube feeding, catheterization, changing
diapers, and toileting.
● Ability to problem-solve as needed.
● Possess competent record keeping skills.
● Possess competent organizational skills.
● Ability to work with others as part of a team and maintain a positive attitude.
● Basic knowledge of applied behavioral analysis, including how antecedents and
consequences affect student behavior.
● Ability to be consistent, calm, and positive during all student interactions, which
may include during times of verbal and physical escalations
● Knowledge of learning and instructional styles appropriate to assigned grade levels
and individual students
● Knowledge of child development concepts, developmentally appropriate curriculum
and individualized learning processes for children, indicators of child abuse and
neglect, and factors affecting low-income families
● Knowledge and course verification of student de-escalation and safe methods of
physical intervention during crisis (e.g. Crisis Prevention Intervention)
● Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with
students, parents, staff and the general public.
● Ability to accurately read, write and compute per instructional needs.
● Ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
● Ability to work independently.
● Ability to maintain confidentiality.
● Ability to be highly self-directed.
● Ability to perform basic computer program functions and use Skyward student
database.
● Ability to supervise and assist students with computer programs.
● Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
● Ability to perform basic clerical functions.
● Ability to lift and carry weights up to 50 pounds without assistance.
● Ability to update skills as required.
● Consistent, reliable attendance according to established work schedule is required.
Education / Training
● Minimum educational requirement is a High School Diploma or GED and one of the
following:
A passing score on an approved ParaPro Assessment exam;
Associate Degree from an accredited public or non-profit College or University;
48 sem. /72 quarter credits from an accredited public or non-profit College or University.
● CPI certified or will obtain immediately upon acceptance of position
Experience
● Two years work experience with small or large groups of children is preferred.
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Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an online application, including resume, cover letter,
and other application materials via the application portal at:
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1651
For questions, please contact Kalin Heath, Asst. Director Employee Services, (360) 619-1314,
kalin.heath@ridgefieldsd.org.
Original: 04/21 N. McCann
Revised: 3/2025, J. Rodriquez
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