Program Support Assistant Jobs in Federal Way, WA

Posting: AP7681
Location: E B Walker High School
Position: Alternative Programs Support Para - Success Coach Team
Rate: PESPA Level 2
Hours: 7 hours per day  (Includes 30 minute unpaid break)
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:35AM to 3:05PM
Calendar: 191-Day
Notes: Walker High School is seeking a highly motivated and student-centered Paraeducator to join our Success Coach Team. This position plays a vital role in supporting students who benefit from personalized learning pathways, strong adult relationships, and targeted interventions designed to help them achieve academic and personal success. As a member of the Success Coach Team, you will work closely with students, teachers, counselors, and administrators to remove barriers to learning, improve attendance and engagement, monitor academic progress, and help students stay on track toward graduation. This position combines academic support, mentoring, relationship building, and student advocacy to ensure every student has the support needed to succeed. 

Walker High School is the most unique school in the Puyallup School District, serving students who may not find success in a traditional educational setting. We believe that strong relationships, student voice, and individualized support create pathways to success. Our staff works collaboratively to meet students where they are and help them build the skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals. 

Key Responsibilities Build positive and meaningful relationships with students through daily check-ins, mentoring, and ongoing support Serve as a member of the Success Coach Team by helping identify and address barriers impacting student attendance, engagement, behavior, and academic progress Support students individually and in small groups with coursework, organization, study skills, and goal setting Monitor student progress and collaborate with staff to develop intervention strategies that promote student success Assist students in navigating school systems, accessing resources, and developing self-advocacy skills Encourage regular attendance and engagement through proactive outreach and relationship-based support Support classroom instruction and provide academic assistance across content areas as needed Assist with supervision, student activities, and creating a positive school culture What We Are Looking For A passionate and dedicated individual who believes in the potential of every student Strong relationship-building and communication skills The ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and experiences Experience working with at-risk, disengaged, or alternative learning populations preferred A collaborative team member who enjoys working alongside teachers, counselors, administrators, and families Flexibility, patience, and creativity when supporting students with varying academic and social-emotional needs Why Walker High School? Join a highly collaborative Success Coach Team dedicated to student achievement and well-being Work in an innovative alternative learning environment where relationships drive results Make a direct impact on students' academic success, attendance, and graduation outcomes Opportunities for professional growth and development Be part of a school community committed to Creating Hope, Inspiring Potential, and Changing Lives If you are passionate about helping students overcome obstacles, build confidence, and reach their goals, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Walker High School team.

External applicants will be given consideration once the internal bidding process has been completed. 

Minimum Paraeducator Employment Requirements
To be eligible for employment, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least eighteen years of age.
2. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Additionally, candidates must fulfill ONE of the following conditions:

• Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Score 455 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment (ETS).
• Score 220 or higher on the Pearson Paraprofessional assessment (not administered by PSD).
• Score 65% or higher on The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program (not administered by PSD).
• Complete an apprenticeship as a paraeducator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Proof of Qualification
Candidates must upload documentation verifying that they meet the stated requirements to be considered for employment. This includes providing a copy of an official college transcript or a passing score in one of the following assessments:

• Education Testing Service ParaPro Assessment
• Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment
• Master Teacher Inc. Paraprofessional Online Training Program

If submitting an assessment score, proof of a high school diploma or its equivalent must also be provided.
Conditions of Employment

• This position requires the completion and attainment of the state-mandated General Paraeducator Certificate.
• The Paraeducator Certificate Program offers statewide standards-based training for all paraeducators/Education Support Professionals (ESP) and supports a career growth ladder for those wishing to advance their career as a paraeducator or pursue a teaching profession.
• Staff will be required to complete 28 hours of training on the Fundamental Course of Study provided by the district. The first two days of FCS training must be completed within four months of the date of hire, and the second two days within six months of the date of hire, or by September 1 of the next school year. The general certificate is then earned by a paraeducator who completes ten days (70 clock hours) of professional development training.

Benefits and Wages

• Refer to the PSD Education Support Prof Employees (PESPA)-WEA agreements, salary schedules, calendars, and benefits here.

Expedite Employment Processing

• To expedite employment processing, please provide a minimum of 3 professional references from current and former supervisors, including their email addresses. Contact these references and ask them to respond promptly.

Additional Information

• Your application is active for a period of two years, for the positions you have selected.
• All completed applications will be reviewed by the respective hiring team, and if you are selected for an interview, they will contact you directly by phone or email.
• Please ensure you continue to update your application to reflect any changes such as meeting paraeducator requirements, adding employment history, and supervisor/manager references.
• For further questions, please review How do I become a Paraeducator? or contact the Human Resources Department at personnel@puyallupsd.org