Meany Middle - Special Education Assistant; Extended Resource; FTE

Special Education Assistant/ISE-203

This position is assigned to the extended 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, administering materials and assignments, 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, conferring with teachers/parents, 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/or student files/records, monitoring students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments, and performing other related duties as assigned.

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 a variety of manuals, writing documents, understanding complex instructions, instructional procedures and practices, age appropriate student activities, safety practices and procedures, conflict resolution, stages of child development/behavior, adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment, preparing and maintaining accurate records, gathering and/or 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, operating within a defined budget, and utilizing resources from other work units. The working environment requires seldom lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, significant fine finger dexterity, handling medically fragile children, attending to students' physical needs, supporting structured learning and behavior shaping activities, and generally requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing.

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 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.

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year. Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.