Educational Assistant - Special Education (STEPS Job Phoenix Oregon USA,Education / Teaching

Position: Educational Assistant - Special Education (STEPS)
Location: Phoenix

Job Title

SOESD
- Educational Assistant, STEPS Plus Behavioral Programs ()

Position Type: Special Education Support Staff
- Classified/ Educational Assistant:
Behavioral Programs

Location: Jackson County (Medford)

Start Date: 08/21/2026

Overview

The Southern Oregon Education Service District is seeking a confident and collaborative Educational Assistant to join its dynamic classroom team for the school year. The STEPS Plus program serves students ages 5‑21 with multiple significant disabilities, cognitive deficits, and/or life‑impacting medical conditions. The program enrolls students from districts throughout Southern Oregon and emphasizes safe and consistent systems, routines, trust, and respectful communication among team members.

Position

Goal

The goal of this position is to support students with disabilities and significant behavioral challenges by developing and implementing behavior management techniques, communication strategies, and specialized learning techniques so that students can increase self‑regulation and return to less restrictive settings.

Essential Duties

Assist in caring for students’ needs, including toileting, feeding, and physically supporting children as needed.

Participate as an effective team member across all settings, carrying out team decisions, contributing relevant information, and planning, problem‑solving, and decision‑making on a daily basis.

Assist in educating students according to their IEP goals using a variety of learning techniques, communication strategies, and behavior intervention techniques.

Be familiar with and follow students’ Behavior Support Plan and Crisis Intervention Plan; provide input to the Functional Behavioral Assessment.

Provide immediate physical support to transport or restrain students during crisis situations, in accordance with approved SOESD training.

During a crisis or physical acting‑out incident, adapt quickly to provide necessary support to other students and secure the classroom.

Supervise and apply behavior interventions, diligently tracking all behaviors in accordance with teacher and specialist requests.

Comply with ESD rules and policies.

Perform physical requirements as needed or with reasonable accommodation.

Perform job‑related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Participate in team meetings and other committee meetings.

Follow established SOESD policies and procedures; comply with district rules.

Participate in training and professional development.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent.

Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.

Ability to learn and follow delegated medical procedures.

Valid Oregon driver’s license.

Ability to pass a physical fitness test as designated by SOESD.

Ability to read and follow a detailed schedule independently.

Positive, flexible attitude.

Physical stamina and general good health.

Ability to solve potentially volatile situations quickly, effectively, and safely.

Demonstrated effective communication skills, teamwork, and professionalism.

Equivalent combination of experience, certification, and training/education may be used as an alternative.

Location: In person in the STEPS Plus classroom.

Length of position: 190 days (academic year).

Salary: $20.56–$24.61 per hour (per Collective Bargaining Agreement; starting wage for 2026‑2027 school year).

Immediate Supervisor: Department Administrator.

Benefits

For 0.50 FTE and over:

Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2,182.00 per month for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
Employer‑paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including an additional 6% individual investment account.
9 paid holidays.
Generous sick, vacation, and discretionary leave packet for qualified employees.

Health Insurance:

OEBB MODA.
Monthly premium deducted pre‑tax.

Options:

Health Savings Accounts.
Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day‑care expenses.
Optional coverage for additional Life, AD&D, short‑term disability insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity.
403(b).
Mercy Flights Membership.

Physical Requirements: Stand/Walk – 4‑6 hrs/day;
Sit/Sit on Floor – 1‑4 hrs/day;
Drive – 1‑4 hrs/day;
Bending…