Special Education Assistant - Life Skills @ Hermiston High School (2 Positions Available)

Hermiston School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Special Education Assistant, life skills at Hermiston High School.  The successful candidate will provide direct student support under the supervision of the Special Education teacher.  This position requires the ability to lift student, administer medical care (training provided) when necessary, and provide assistance with physical needs and other related tasks that may not be specifically listed.

QUALIFICATIONS include but are not limited to:               

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet NCLB educational requirements by possessing a minimum of an Associate's Degree or 72 college credit hours.  Passage of the Work Keys or ParaPro Assessment test serves as an alternative to the educational requirement.  The Work Keys or ParaPro exam is administered by the District as needed.
• Demonstrated standards of moral character and behavior as required of teachers (e.g. to serve as an effective role model).
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities, desired 

The Work Keys exam study guide is available on our web-site:  https://www.hermiston.k12.or.us/apps/pages/human_resources/-2  (Click on Substitutes)

(Click on the Substitute Information link)

Vaccination Mandate

OAR 333-019-1030

RULE TITLE: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Teachers and School Staff

RULE SUMMARY: The intention of OAR 333-019-1030 is to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 by requiring teachers, school staff, volunteers, and school-based program staff and volunteers who work in schools to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exception.

Effective, October 19, 2021 teachers, school staff, volunteers, and school-based program staff and volunteers must provide the school or school-based program with either:

* Proof of vaccination showing they are fully vaccinated; or

* Documentation of a medical or religious exception

The successful candidate will be asked to provide the documentation during the on-boarding process.

About the School:

Hermiston High School educates a growing population, serving ~1600 students grades 9-12, with over 130 dedicated teachers and support staff members.  The principal is supported by three assistant principals, an athletic director, and a dean of students.

The largest high school in all of Eastern Oregon, Hermiston provides a robust offering of content courses as well as a variety of elective curriculums that are tied to regional college degrees, certificates, and programs.  Annually, over 5000 college credits are earned across six recognized Programs of Study through partnerships with various community colleges and institutions of higher education, instructed on campus by qualified HHS staff.

Performance across the disciplines has been strong, where Hermiston High School students perform at or above the state average and consistently outperform schools of similar constitution.  An extremely low drop-out rate, one of the highest completion rates in the state, and a culture towards “Destination College” has been well established where nearly 60% of high school graduates attend 2 and 4 year institutions following graduation.

The newer, ~300,000 square foot campus, is exceptionally well-maintained and boasts some 70 classrooms, 9 computer labs, media center, student fitness complex, comprehensive CTE and fine arts facilities, an on-site alternative school, and a robust online learning program.  A new $5.0M sports facility recently lauded as “The Best Prep Stadium in Oregon (OregonLive, 2014)," provides a state-of-the-art collegiate-level track and field complex and all-weather football and soccer surface. 

Hermiston High School utilizes a semester schedule and modified block system that provides a combination of 50 minute and 90 minute classes during each week.  Students are offered 4 different diploma completion options, with the alternative high school offering a GED preparation track as well. 

A diverse student body, a strength of the community and the school, Hermiston High School is comprised primarily of students who are considered Caucasian (55%) with the largest minority being of Hispanic decent (40%).

State-recognized co-curricular organizations such as FFA, FCCLA, DECA, and Robotics boast large numbers of students and incredible community support.   Likewise, club activities in such areas as Spanish, science, Key Club, outdoor, knowledge bowl, rodeo, and National Honor Society are just a few of the additional offerings students participate in.

About the District:

The Hermiston School District is the largest district in eastern Oregon, exceeding 5,600 students in grades kindergarten through 12, with the mission of serving the needs of all children with rigorous program choices, high expectations, mutual respect, and excellence.  The school district includes a 9-12 senior high school, two 6-8 middle schools, currently five K-5 elementary schools, six with the addition of LVES, and a robust online learning program option for students and families.

Support for the school district has been strong from the community. In 2019 voters approved an $82.7 million building project, which includes replacement of Rocky Heights Elementary, construction of an additional elementary school (Loma Vista), and a multi-classroom annex of the high school, along with various district-wide renovations. The voters also approved a $69.9 million bond in 2008, which served to replace Armand Larive Middle School, West Park Elementary, and Sunset Elementary schools. 

The District employs over 630 full time staff that includes approximately 365 teachers and over 265 classified, support, and supervisory personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the city of Hermiston. A nationally-recognized community that embraces its diversity, the district serves some 28,000 residents, where one-third of the population is Hispanic.

The school district prides itself on the academic achievement of its students, successful athletic programs, nationally-recognized club and activity organizations, and its exhaustive list of academic and elective opportunities available to students. The District’s partnership with community organizations has been central to its continued success, highlighted by support groups who have provided nearly a half a million dollars to assist students and programs through such venues as the Hermiston Sports Booster Club, Hermiston Education Foundation, Band Boosters, FFA Alumni, and the community sponsorship of the student homebuilding program, to name a few.

About the Community:

The city of Hermiston is a vibrant and growing community of over 18,000 residents located at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest, situated near the intersection of I-84 and I-82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities in Washington.  Hermiston and the entire Umatilla County area have excellent potential for growth in commercial, industrial, agricultural, as well as residential development.  Hermiston boasts over 100 acres for community use, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children's play areas, barbeque and picnic areas and more.  Located within 10 minutes of downtown Hermiston, both Umatilla and Echo have challenging golf courses.  The Columbia River offers tournament level fishing, as well as many water sports including swimming, wind surfing, and boating.  Other fishing waters include the Umatilla River, Cold Springs Reservoir and many ponds.  Nearby is Hat Rock State Park, and the Blue Mountains are within an hour drive, affording a wide variety of fishing, hunting and camping activities.  In the winter, the mountains are home to excellent snow skiing, tubing, snowmobiling and sledding.     

Salary and Benefits:

The Hermiston School District offers an extremely competitive salary and benefits package which includes PERS retirement employer-paid pick-up, and a comprehensive health and benefits package. The full contract year for this position is 7.0 hours/day, 192 days (school year), which includes 5 paid holidays. Position begins August 2022.

Hourly Range $14.97 - $21.06, depending upon relevent previous experience

Benefits include:

• Generous monthly insurance allowance (family coverage)
• District-paid employee life insurance
• District-paid PERS pick up

Application Procedures:

The applicant must digitally supply the following items online through Recruit & Hire: https://hermiston.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

• On-line application form
• Cover Letter
• Professional Resume
• Letters of Recommendation (optional)

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure his/her application is complete. Only complete applications will be considered.