Special Education Assistant
About the Employer
Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Aide permit or other appropriate state license/certificate if needed.
• Alternative to the above qualifications as the superintendent and/or board of education may find appropriate.
Reports to
Principal and Director of Student Services
Employment Status
Regular, Full-Time
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Provide personal care and academic assistance for students with disabilities and clerical support to an assigned teacher or teachers.
Essential Functions
• Assist students with personal care as needed; for example, toileting, diapering and feeding.
• Intervene to control and de-escalate violent behavior, as needed and as instructed.
• Supervise students during recreational activities.
• Assist students with skill development and work completion as directed by the teacher.
• Accompany students to classes and activities outside of special education classes, as assigned.
• Record student data; for example, behavior charts and grades.
• Assist the teacher in creating a supportive environment and a positive behavior management system.
• Communicate with school personnel and parents as guided by the teacher, the principal or the special education coordinator.
• Make/copy instructional supplies.
• Assist substitute teachers with such things as the implementation of lesson plans and the observance of the daily schedule.
• Assist in keeping the equipment clean and the special education classroom neat and organized.
• Observe the assigned work schedule.
• Attend student conferences as assigned.
• Attend all building and special education staff meetings, unless excused.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information that is not public domain.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Serve as a role model for students in the practice of ethical principles, responsible behavior and democratic values.
• Maintain an appropriate personal appearance.
• Observe all safety and health regulations of the school district.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher, the principal and/or the special education coordinator.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Willingness to acquire first aid and CPR training.
• Willingness to participate in other recommended training programs; for example, behavior management and crisis prevention training.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with children who may have severe physical or behavioral disabilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with adults.
Equipment Operated
• Various office machines, such as calculators, copiers, laminating machines.
• Computer/printer.
• Various instructional equipment, such as VCRs, tape recorders, slide projectors.
• Some specialized equipment used by students with disabilities; for example, amplification devices, medical devices and specialized computers.
Working Conditions
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue.
• Van training as required or requested.
• Possible interaction with unruly or angry children, or distraught adults.
• Regular requirement to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, stretch, reach with hands and arms, stoop, crouch and kneel.
• Frequent requirement to lift, carry, push and pull various items; for example, adaptive equipment, up to 25 lbs.
• Possible requirement to lift children, restrain children, push wheelchairs or otherwise assist with ambulation.
Conditions of Employment
• Length of employment: one year limited contract.
• Salary: based on current classified salary schedule with appropriate experience and training.
• Fringe benefits: based on current classified handbook.