Paraeducator I - Special Education

Salary: $19.19 - $23.32 Hourly
Location : School Sites, Simi Valley, CA
Job Type: Part-Time: Perm and Substitute
Job Number: 26-128-4
Department: School Sites
Opening Date: 06/11/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
PURPOSE
To establish an eligibility list to fill part time vacancies and substitute assignments, 10 months per year (school year). The established eligibility list will remain in effect for six months.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Applications are submitted no later than 11:59 pm. a week prior to the test.
TESTING PROCESS:
A) Multiple Choice Test = 40% weighting on final score
Tentatively scheduled for as early as the weeks of August 24, 2026, September 28, 2026, November 2, 2026
B) Structured Interview = 60% weighting on final score
Tentatively scheduled for as early as the weeks of August 31, 2026, October 5, 2026, November 9, 2026
Structured interviews will be held once per month.
Applicants will be tested on English - Language Arts, Math and Ability to Assist in Instruction.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those with the highest scores on the multiple choice test will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email
The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Summary
Assists a teacher, specialist or therapist in providing instructional and behavior support to individual or small groups of special education students to enhance learning. Monitors and reports student progress regarding behavior and academic performance. Assists students in developing various self-help skills, including hygiene, eating, social, community and leisure/recreational skills.
Distinguishing Career Features
The Paraeducator I, Special Education is the first level in a career path for special education instructional support. The Paraeducator provides instructional assistance to general education classrooms where activities can be carried out by an incumbent who meets NCLB requirements, namely the passing of a competency assessment. Advancement to levels I-II requires more advanced knowledge, skill, and ability to work with special student populations or in specially recognized skill areas. Paraeducators I-II are assigned to Special Education. Paraeducators II provide routine health care assistance to students requiring special accommodations and services in addition to supporting curriculum. Advancement potential also exists to higher levels of specialized support which have unique titles, qualifications, and/or require certification or a license.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides academic, behavior and social instructional assistance to individual or small groups of special education students. Works on an in-depth basis with individual or small groups of students to execute individual lesson plans and alternative strategies for maximizing learning experiences. Reinforces learning experiences for students. Assists teacher, specialist or therapist in assessing student ability and progress; provides information and discusses student daily activities, progress and needs.
• Assists students with personal hygiene and in developing self-help grooming skills as appropriate, such as dressing and undressing, eating, washing, oral care and toileting; assists in changing diapers as needed. Assists students in learning independent living skills such as walking safely to a destination, using public transportation and complying with traffic signals, proper money handling, and food purchasing.
• Lifts, moves and adjusts students, especially non-ambulatory students. Assists students onto and off of buses; Paraeducators I, Special Education assigned to a bus run assist in loading students on and unloading students off buses, and securing wheelchairs, car seats and students into position on the bus. Places students in standers, on wedges and in wheelchairs; positions students in splints, body jackets, braces, sideliners and adapted p.e. equipment as appropriate; assists in student positioning as necessary.
• Assists students in community based instruction; accompanies and assists students during the transporting and instruction in off-campus or community based settings. Escorts students, using public transportation or walking, to off-campus locations (such as libraries, parks, shopping malls and restaurants) to enhance student community awareness and to develop maximum independence and self-esteem. May train and assist students at job sites with duties and a variety of activities as necessary according to individual needs, and under the guidance and direction of a teacher, transitional assistant, or designated administrator.
• Organizes materials and supplies to facilitate use by students, assists students requiring help, offers positive feedback and alternatives, and cleans up work areas following projects. Assists with preparation of instructional and testing materials. Suggests and may prepare materials that offer alternative approaches to facilitate student learning.
• Assists in maintaining order among students in the classroom and school grounds. Assures safety of students following health and safety rules. Assists and supervises individual and groups of students in moving from place-to-place in an orderly manner, (i.e. school bus to classroom, classroom to restroom, lunch room, on playgrounds, on field trips and co-curricular activities). Paraeducators assigned to a bus run assist and supervise students while riding the bus to and from school.
• Exercises constant supervision of students; observes, monitors, and controls behavior of students within approved procedures. Uses appropriate discipline in accordance with grade level, student's ability to understand discipline and approved procedures. Develops and uses incentives as positive reinforcement. Reports student behavior progress and performance to teachers; documents student progress, as needed.
• Confers, as needed, with teachers concerning student needs. Alerts teacher to any special problems or information concerning students. Assists teachers and resource staff to develop and evaluate individual and group educational goals and objectives. Provides instructions, information and assistance to substitute teachers; participates in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Assists and guides students by providing appropriate role modeling, emotional support, patience, and a friendly and engaging attitude. Must observe confidentiality. Must be discrete in responding to student behaviors and educational needs whenever possible.
• Assists in maintaining a neat and orderly learning environment that supports learning. Performs a variety of classroom related clerical services such as maintaining charts and records, scoring and recording tests, preparing and storing instructional materials and equipment, copying instructional materials, operating office machines, including computer, copier and other audio-visual equipment. Assembles bulletin boards and other displays; arranges classroom for planned activities.
• Administers first aid in the absence of a teacher or school nurse.
• Must be prepared to change routine or perform tasks normally done by another member of the school or classroom team upon request of the teacher, specialist and/or supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience

The position requires graduation from high school or equivalent. Experience working with students in a classroom or equivalent environment desired. Successful completion of the district's competency exam demonstrating knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics (or readiness in those subject areas).
*Completion of 48 semester units at an institution of higher education, or an associate's (or higher) degree highly desirable. Incumbents hired into this classification, and who have completed (and provided proof) of this level of education will be assigned as a Paraeducator I, Special Education at salary range 65.

• Licenses and Certificates

Requires valid first aid certification, and CPR certification. Employees must fulfill certification requirements within six months of employment in a regular position.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• Knowledge and Skills

The position requires: Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of age appropriate child development and guidance applicable for an educational setting; knowledge relating to special education highly desirable. Knowledge of the basic subjects taught in the District schools, including mathematics and English usage, with sufficient competency to assist students with individual or group studies. Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Basic knowledge of teaching and instruction methods that enhance remedial learning. Basic knowledge of principles and techniques of discipline and behavior modification. Sufficient human relation skills to work productively and cooperatively with teachers, colleagues, students, and parents in formal and informal settings.

• Abilities

Requires the ability to: Learn and provide for the special needs, issues and requirements of special education students. Assist teaching staff with implementation of instructional goals and activities in a classroom, small group or individual learning environment. Interact with teachers, specialists and colleagues in order to carry out assigned duties. Assist students in developing various self-help skills, including hygiene, eating, social, community and leisure/recreational skills. Assist in maintaining order among students in their assigned learning environment. Relate positively to students in a teaching/learning environment in a way that builds confidence, recognizes and works on learning disabilities and barriers. Exercise patience when conveying information, and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of students. Understand the principles of positive reinforcement as they apply to the management of students. Maintain confidentiality of student and school information. Learn principles and techniques of discipline and behavior modification. Learn district regulations, policies and objectives applicable to assigned programs. Learn how to properly use and position specialized equipment and apparatus used for severely, physically, emotionally and multi-handicapped students. Operate instructional and office equipment.

• Physical Abilities

Requires the ability to perform in an indoor and/or outdoor learning environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary to a moderately active nature. Requires near visual acuity to read and write printed materials and computer screens. Requires hearing and speech ability for ordinary and telephonic conversation, to speak to groups, and to hear sound prompts from equipment. Requires ambulatory ability to: move about office, classroom/laboratory, school grounds or other learning environment, to tutor, assist with presentations, and reach work materials. Requires sufficient manual and finger dexterity to demonstrate teaching aids, to point out important words/figures to students, and to operate personal computers. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and move supplies, equipment, wheelchairs, etc., of light to medium weight on a regular basis, and heavy weight with assistance or labor saving equipment.

• Licenses and Certificates

May require a valid California driver's license.

• Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors with some exposure to health and safety considerations from physical labor and exposure to body fluids.
Individuals protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may request accommodation if needed. In order for appropriate arrangements to be made for testing, your request must be received at the time your application is submitted. If special arrangements are not requested at the time the application is submitted, it is understood that no special accommodations are required. Documentation on the need for accommodation must accompany your request.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Salary : Five step salary range that provides annual increases of approximately five percent until the fifth step is reached. New hire initial step placement (normally up to Step 3) based on qualifying education and experience as outlined in Merit System Rule 7.20.1. An employee who is promoted to a higher class shall be placed on the step of the new salary range that is at least five percent above the current rate, excluding any differential pay.
Vacation : Earned based on assigned hours. Increased vacation allowance based on years of service with the district. Confidential employees receive an additional 3 days vacation allotment, up to a maximum of 22 days. Management employees receive 22 days of vacation (based on 12-month assignment).
Sick Leave : Earned at the rate of one day (based on the number of assigned hours) per month, and is accumulative from year to year.
Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year (based on 12-month assignment).
Insurance and Credit Union : The District offers a competitive Health and Welfare plan for employees and dependents, based upon the number of hours worked; employees who are placed in a regular assignment of 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits. The Ventura Schools Federal Credit Union offers a variety of services.
Retirement: Employees are covered by Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Social Security and Medicare. Contributions are made by both the employee and employer. Click to visit website.