Special Education Associate - 26-27 School Year Job Des Moines area,Iowa USA,Education / Teaching

Special Education Associate

This position is for the school year. The start of employment for this position will be August 14th, 2026. Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education.

Available Locations:

Capitol View Elementary
Cattell Elementary
Downtown Elementary
East High School
Findley Elementary
Goodrell Middle School
Harding Middle School
Hoyt Middle School
Hubbell Elementary
King Elementary
Moore Elementary
North High School
Perkins Elementary
Pleasant Hill Elementary
Riverwoods Elementary
Roosevelt High School
Ruby Van Meter
Focus MS and HS
All Points Academy - APA
4 Plus
Mac Taylor
Wright Elementary
Meredith Middle School
Samuelson Elementary
Hiatt Middle

There is a $2,000.00 hiring bonus for this position paid over 24 pay periods (1 year). Bonus is not applicable for current DMPS employees.

Hiring Specifications

Required:

High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET.
Ability to relate to students with disabilities.
Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
Oral and written communication skills.
Strong inter-personal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students

Desired:

Successful work or volunteer experience with disabled population
Supervisory experience with school-aged children.

Basic Function

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students with disabilities in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, and work/community settings. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the building assigned.

Essential Functions

Take directions from teachers, building administrators, and Student and Family Services support staff.

Follow behavior management plans for individual students.

Maintain students' daily behavior logs.

Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans.

Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.

Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities as needed.

Prepare and supervise students in bus loading/unloading.

Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly instructional environment.

Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.

Supervise lunchroom, playground, halls, classroom, and other assigned areas.

Clarify and reinforce teacher directions

Participate in I.E.P. meetings as required.

Assist with instruction in the community setting as required.

Assist students with assignments.

Reinforce skills taught by the teacher.

Listen to students read/read to students.

Chart/graph student performance.

Prepare bulletin boards, games, and flash cards.

Assist teacher in setting up, organizing, and preparing materials for labs or instruction.

Organize daily student work folders.

Prepare attendance cards and reports.

Feed, toilet, and diaper students as needed.

Under teacher direction, implement specific strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and de-escalate inappropriate behavior.

Supervise students in community/work settings.

Lift, carry, and correctly position students with physical disabilities.

Perform other activities as required by the building principal or teachers.

Additional Essential Functions (for every DMPS position):

Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.

Maintain confidentiality.

Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

Assist with other duties as may be assigned

Position Inventory: B 21

Bargaining Group: DMEA

FLSA Status:
Non Exempt

FT/PT:
Full Time

Days: 190 Day Calendar

Hours:

7.5 Hour Day

Physical Requirements:

Constant standing and walking with frequent bending, reaching/pushing/pulling. Frequently lifting up to 50 lbs

Working Conditions:

Inside majority of the time with frequent outside working conditions

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Approved By: EN

Date: 02/28/2025

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test, and/or a motor vehicle record check.