2026-2027 SY - Readvertised - Special Education Assistant (PA) - Elementary

Work Location: Del Norte Elementary

Contract Length: 194 Days
Salary Range: $27,045.00 – $33,728.00

About the Role

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

Supervision

Receives immediate supervision from assigned higher level staff.

Responsibilities

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

Marginal Functions

• Deliver educational services to children who are homebound due to health limitations and/or distance from school.
• Daily travel from site to site and from home to home.
• Prepare regular and special diet meals; operate choppers, blenders, mixers, and other equipment; adjust ovens or other cooking equipment.
• Assist in serving meals, paying particular attention to portioning, garnishing, and meeting Federal meal requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Classroom management.
• Cultural diversities of the local area and the traditional Native American beliefs of students and families.

Ability To:

• Administer and provide emergency first aid services to children.
• Promote positive child behavior and a safe and healthy environment.
• Handle and maintain student records 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 that 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 and Education:

Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Some related experience including public contact is desirable.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalency.

Licensure:

• 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.

Working Conditions

• On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.
• Office and field environment.
• Travel from site to site.
• Exposure to human body fluids and cleaning and/or sterilization chemicals.

Physical Conditions

• On-site attendance is mandatory for this position.
• Sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Moderate to heavy lifting and repeated bending.