26-103; Educational Assistant - SPED I ; 0.75 FTE; Helman; Probationary

0.75 FTE / 6 hours per day; probationary, non-exempt position at Helman Elementary. Reports to the Principal.

About the role

Assists special education teaching staff by performing instructional tasks with students in small groups and one-on-one settings, record-keeping, and supervision. Performs duties with close supervision.

Responsibilities

• Follows and maintains knowledge of applicable District policies and procedures.
• Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments (reading, math, and writing).
• Works directly with students with a variety of special needs.
• Assists students with tracking assignments and managing behaviors.
• Tests and records students' abilities in math, writing, and reading and progress as directed by licensed staff.
• May clean up spills and wipe down tables in the cafeteria when assigned supervision duty.
• Monitors and assists students in the classroom, at recess, at lunch, and at other gathering places.
• Supervises large groups of children at recess and lunch, ensuring safety and security.
• Assists with physical management of students including lifting, moving, positioning, feeding, toileting, diapering, and restraint when necessary under the direction of licensed staff.
• Assists with physical needs of students (carrying books, clearing access ways, etc.).
• Escorts and supervises assigned students in various activities (music, PE, recess, library, etc.).
• Implements and tracks Individual Education Plan (IEP) data; may assist with IEP meeting preparation.
• Models appropriate behavior in various social settings.
• Presents subject matter to students using methods such as lecture, discussion, and supervised role-playing.
• Confers with teaching staff on student progress.
• Assists staff with record keeping, copying, filing, grading assignments, and taking attendance.
• Transports recess equipment outside, reports unsafe equipment, and secures equipment when not in use.
• Assists with loading and unloading students from buses and transitioning students between classroom, lunchroom, music, recess, and library.
• Assists licensed staff in developing educational materials (copying, typing, laminating, etc.).
• Implements daily activities and instruction for students under the direction of licensed staff.
• Follows prescribed daily schedule as outlined by the building administrator.
• Assists licensed staff in set-up and maintenance of the classroom, materials, and supplies.
• Assists licensed staff in scheduling meetings and completing paperwork.
• Assists licensed staff, when directed, in communicating with parents/guardians.
• May administer medications or medical interventions within the scope of District policy and state/federal law, under the direction of licensed staff.
• Participates effectively in regular team meetings with licensed staff and other support staff.
• Maintains a safe environment for students at all times; reports safety, sanitary, and fire hazards immediately.
• Interacts thoughtfully and courteously with students, staff, administrators, and parents; resolves conflict professionally.
• Appropriately maintains and secures confidential records and inquiries.
• Professionally represents the school and District in interactions with parents, community, staff, and students.
• Maintains appropriate certifications and training hours as required.
• Attends work regularly and is punctual.

Additional duties

• Assists office staff and licensed staff members as necessary, including answering telephones, routing calls, and operating office machinery.
• Performs minor first aid in compliance with District policy and completes required paperwork.
• Assists on school field trips as requested.
• Files documents and records according to predetermined classifications.
• Attends and participates in planning and in-service trainings and staff meetings.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or one to two years of related experience/training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must meet current requirements; prior successful experience working in a school setting or with special needs students strongly preferred.
• Works well with others from diverse backgrounds; focuses on solving conflict, maintaining confidentiality, and contributing to a positive team spirit.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work with special needs students.
• Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing in English.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, procedure manuals, and regulations.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, percentages).
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in a variety of situations.
• General knowledge of computer usage, including database software, email, internet, spreadsheets, and word processing; student information software preferred.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and work in an environment with constant interruptions.
• Certificates as determined by the District, including meeting current certification requirements and a valid Oregon Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain a valid CPR/First Aid card.

Physical demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, ability to adjust focus, and peripheral vision.

Work environment

• Noise level is usually low to moderate but occasionally high depending on student population and activities.
• Occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions.
• May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.