Lincoln - Special Education Assistant ; Focus - FTE

Overview of Position

The Special Education Assistant (ISE-203) assists in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs in both regular and self‑contained classrooms. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, communicating with school personnel, and attending IEP meetings.

• Adapt classroom activities and materials under teacher direction to ensure all students can participate.
• Administer tests, homework, and grading materials to support teacher assessment of student progress.
• Provide first aid and medical assistance as needed.
• Assist students with personal and medical care needs to enable their participation in school activities.
• Attend meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., CPR, emergency procedures) to acquire and share job‑related information.
• Collaborate with teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicate with teachers and parents (calls, emails, meetings) to share information about student progress.
• Direct and implement behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions.
• Instruct students in individual and group settings on academic, social, and daily living skills to reinforce instructional objectives and remedial plans.
• Maintain instructional materials and student records to ensure availability and accuracy.
• Monitor students during assigned periods in various school environments to provide a safe learning setting.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support effective work unit functioning.

Reports to the building principal or, if centrally staff, to the assigned Special Education Supervisor.

• Perform basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios) and read manuals, write documents, and present information.
• Understanding of instructional procedures, age‑appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development stages.

• Multi‑task non‑technical duties and adapt skills to changing conditions.
• Adhere to safety practices.
• Operate standard office equipment and software applications.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.

• Collect and analyze data using defined processes.
• Work flexibly with diverse individuals and environments.
• Resolve problems, develop action plans, and interpret data independently.
• Adapt to changing priorities, communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, work as part of a team, and manage interruptions.
• Use keyboard, learn PCs, and perform basic signing if required.

Work under supervision using standardized procedures, guide and coordinate others, adhere to defined budget limits, and leverage resources from other work units to better serve students.

Job involves propitious physical demands: lifting up to 50 pounds, mandatory climbing, kneeling, and crawling. Must handle medically fragile children, attend to toileting, diaper changes, tube feeding, and assist menstruating students. Expected usage: 45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing. (10% of work period may be lower‑intensity).

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet at least one of the following:

• Qualifying score on the Education Testing Service para educator assessment.
• Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Seventy‑two quarter credits or forty‑eight semester credits at grade‑one level or higher.
• Completed apprenticeship in a para educator program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

None specified.

Experience working with children.

Valid State of Washington Driver's License or equivalent evidence of mobility.

Secure mandatory training: CPR, First Aid.

Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance mandated.

Seattle Public Schools benefits administered through the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) via the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligible employees must schedule 630 hours or more per year (Sep 1 – Aug 31) for benefits coverage.