Paraeducator, Alternative Education 8.25 at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Alternative Education Division is home to ACCESS, a public, WASC-accredited educational program offering a variety of unique school options serving students throughout Orange County from Transitional Kindergarten to adults seeking to complete their high school education. Our program is committed to the education of the whole student through the use of Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This approach is designed to meet the academic and socio-emotional needs of our students to prepare them for successful transitions to college and career. Paraeducators in Alternative Education play a vital role in supporting the ACCESS Special Education Department by providing both instructional and administrative support to teachers, students, and families. A key responsibility of this position is to interpret and translate during IEP meetings and other school-related communications to ensure clear and accurate understanding between staff and Spanish-speaking families. Paraeducators will assist with scheduling and attending IEP meetings, processing IEP documentation, and maintaining accurate student records. In addition to translation duties, they will support special education teachers by working with students to help meet their IEP goals and performing general clerical tasks. We are currently hiring for multiple positions and eligible candidates will be placed on an Eligibility List for the 2024/25 school year. Placement is based on program needs. Some positions may require an additional background clearance with the Probation Department.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Completion of at least two years of study at a college or university; OR • An Associate of Arts degree; OR • Satisfactory completion of an approved paraeducator test. Bilingual preferred Additional Requirement: Completion of Bilingual (Spanish) Competency Exam There is a supplemental question in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please elaborate on your experience working in a secondary school setting with at-promise youth. 2. Please describe your level of expertise in assisting students with English and Math. 3. This role requires organization, attention to detail, and time management under pressure. Please provide an example of how you have managed multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodations in the application process, please inform us.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Completion of at least two years of study at a college or university; OR • An Associate of Arts degree; OR • Satisfactory completion of an approved paraeducator test. Bilingual preferred Additional Requirement: Completion of Bilingual (Spanish) Competency Exam There is a supplemental question in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please elaborate on your experience working in a secondary school setting with at-promise youth. 2. Please describe your level of expertise in assisting students with English and Math. 3. This role requires organization, attention to detail, and time management under pressure. Please provide an example of how you have managed multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodations in the application process, please inform us.
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Application Deadline
8/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Date Posted
7/7/2025
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$25.81 - $33.00 Per Hour
$25.81 - $33.00 Per Hour
Add'l Salary Info
Classified: Placement based on education and years of experience.
Length of Work Year
12 months/232 Days
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.