James Baldwin Elementary - Special Education Assistant ; Extended Resource - FTE

Special Education Assistant

This position is assigned to serve a student in the extended resource service pathway. To learn more about our special education service pathways, please follow this link to the SPS Special Education Department website.

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, administering materials and assignments, administering first aid and medical assistance, assisting students in personal care needs, attending meetings and in-service presentations, conferring with teachers and parents, directing and implementing behavioral plans, instructing students in various activities, maintaining instructional materials and student files, and monitoring students during assigned periods.

Other functions may include performing other related duties as assigned.

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

Required knowledge includes basic math, reading manuals, writing documents, and understanding complex instructions. Required skills include performing multiple tasks, adhering to safety practices, operating office equipment, and preparing accurate records. Required abilities include gathering and collating data, working with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team, and working with constant interruptions.

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision, leading and coordinating others, and operating within a defined budget. The working environment requires lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying, pushing, and pulling; some climbing, balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. The job is performed in a 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, an associate degree or higher, seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at an accredited college, or completion of an apprenticeship as a para educator. Preferred experience includes working with children. Required certificates include a valid State of Washington Driver's License, Secure Training, CPR, and First Aid.

A Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance is also required.