West Seattle - Special Education Assistant; Resource - FTE

Special Education Assistant/ISE-203

This position is assigned to the Resource service pathway. The job of Special Education Assistant/ISE-203 is done for the purpose of assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings.

Special Education Assistant job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc.

Essential functions include adapting classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for all special education students to participate in classroom activities; administering a variety of materials and assignments for evaluating students' progress and organizing individual needs; administering first aid and medical assistance as required; assisting students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations; attending meetings and in-service presentations to acquire and convey information relative to job functions;

conferring with teachers/parents to provide information related to the student's progress; directing and implementing behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions; instructing students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings; maintaining instructional materials and student files/records; and monitoring students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments.

Other functions include performing other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Reporting relationships include reporting to building Principal if assigned through staffing formulas. If based centrally, reports to assigned Special Education Supervisor.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include performing basic math, reading manuals, writing documents, understanding complex instructions, instructional procedures, age appropriate student activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, stages of child development/behavior, adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment, preparing and maintaining accurate records, gathering and collating data, using job-related equipment, working with others, problem solving, and ability to key-board, learn to use personal computers, and do basic signing.

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures, leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others, and operating within a defined budget. The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: seldom lifting up to 50 pounds; carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students;

support structured learning and behavior shaping activities. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Typical qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one of the following: a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service para educator assessment as published by PESB; an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university;

or completion of an apprenticeship as a para educator in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. Experience working with children is preferred. Valid State of Washington Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility, Secure Training, CPR, First Aid, and Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance are required.