2026-2027 SY - Re-Advertised - Special Education Assistant (PCA) - Secondary

About the role

To provide technical and advanced assistance to assigned specialists or professionals in delivering the educational plan, and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) of assigned student(s).

Essential Function Statements

• Assist specialist/professional in delivering the educational plan and meeting the goals and objectives of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to assigned student(s).
• Aid in implementing daily activity lesson plans and curriculum as developed in the IEP by appropriate specialist or professional.
• Maintain appropriate files and records; attach all supporting documentation; ensure confidentiality of all records and files.
• Support students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes, and assistive technology.
• Supervise students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, lunch and field trips.
• Assist physically challenged students with eating, dressing, personal hygiene and mobility functions when needed, e.g., in self-help, feeding and personal hygiene skills; in fin/gross motor skills; in adaptive competencies leading to independence.
• Provide special medical needs of students.
• Provide close supervision for students with behavior problems in the classroom and support the teacher's management system.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Classroom management, cultural diversities of the local area and the traditional Native American beliefs of students and families.
• Ability: Administer and provide emergency first aid services to children, promote positive child behavior and a safe and healthy environment, handle and maintain the records of students in a confidential manner, communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing in the English language, understand and follow oral and written instructions, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others, maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, understand and respect the cultural diversities, and Native American traditional beliefs and practices, of students and their families.
• Experience & Education: Some related experience including public contact is desirable. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: High School Diploma or equivalent, possession of, or ability to obtain a Level I Educational Assistant License from the New Mexico Public Education Department, possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license, possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid First Aid certificate, possession of, or ability to obtain a Food Handler's Permit, if required.