Special Education Associate - TE

Special Education Associate

Assist the general and special education teachers in implementing a safe, productive and well-organized education program for the benefit of all students while specifically assisting assigned student with integration and success in the school setting.

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent required. Two-year Associate Degree, or 60 College Semester Credits, or Passing Score on Iowa Paraprofessional Assessment, or Demonstrate Iowa Paraprofessional Core Competencies preferred. Strong time management and organizational skills. Effective technology skills required for the position. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to operate required equipment in a safe and productive manner. Successful experience working with school-aged children preferred.

Adhere to applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations, board policies and administrative rules. Demonstrate organization and professionalism in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. Maintain a "service orientation" and treat all students, parents, staff, and visitors with professional courtesy. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward school, students and job while communicating the same to the community. Attend seminars and trainings as needed to stay current with state and federal regulations and requirements.

Dress appropriately for the position and work required. Accept constructive criticism and suggestions while seeking to improve each performance responsibility. Maintain professionalism related to confidentiality of student records and the school operation.

Work one on one with student to insure integration and opportunity to succeed in the educational setting. Provide support for student in general education and special education classroom setting (e.g. clarify directions, model, redirect attention, modify and adapt assignments per teacher direction) Follow instructional plan developed by the special education teacher. Reinforce previously taught skills and monitor independent work completion. Supervise student while in common areas.

Assist student with arrival and departure from school, and in transitions throughout the school day. Follow individual student care plan with regard to such needs as eating, dressing, toileting and hygiene. Assist student to gain independence in problem solving, making choices, and task completion by allowing the student to function independently as often as possible. Observe and record information regarding student performance, behavior, and learning style.

Assist with and implement behavioral management and intervention plans. Assist with monitoring and supervision to assure physical safety of all students. Assist teacher to safely lift and transfer student. Follow teacher instructions regarding the use of walkers, wheelchairs, standers, assistive technology equipment, and safety restraints. When appropriate, participate in IEP team and other planning meetings. Demonstrate a commitment to pursue professional growth and development opportunities.

Report concerns, comments, questions and observations to immediate supervisor.

Able to communicate effectively via a telephone and email in a clear, precise manner. Able to write and record reports utilizing basic computer functions. Able to climb stairs or stand and walk for extended periods of time. Able to sit, reach, carry, push, bend body at waist, bend both knees, twist, and stoop while handling items. Able to read and interpret policies, procedures and employee handbook.

Able to lift up to 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques. Ability to utilize specialized equipment for lifting, standing or transporting students with special needs. Able to work outdoors for periods of time to perform functions such as Bus Duty and Recess Supervision. Able to hear and speak in order to communicate with students, parents, co-workers, and supervisors. Occasionally operate office equipment such as copiers, lamination machine, and binding equipment.

Primary work setting is the Assigned Attendance Center but duties at times may require working within various attendance centers in the district or accompanying students to special events such as work experience or field trips. May be required to ride a school bus or drive school vehicles to carry out responsibilities of the position. Able to work outdoors for periods of time to perform functions such as Bus Duty and Recess Supervision.

May be required to work additional hours as required for special events or during certain times of the year. Primary focus is work with one on one student when in attendance.