Hawthorne Elementary - 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 the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and/or organizing the individual needs of the student; administering first aid and medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured children;

assisting students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment; attending meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions; conferring with teacher/s on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives;

conferring with teachers and/or parents for the purpose of providing information related to the student's progress as established in their individual educational program; directing and implementing behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs, protecting the safety of the child and others, and providing a consistent environment;

instructing students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in school; maintaining instructional materials and/or student files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information; monitoring students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and positive learning environment;

and 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 & 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, flexibility to work with others, problem solving with data and equipment, adapting to changing work priorities, communicating with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team, working with constant interruptions, key-boarding, learning to use personal computers, and 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: have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service para educator assessment as published by PESB; hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; have earned seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an…