Adams Elementary - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Focus) - 1.0 FTE

This position supports a student in the Distinct service pathway within special education. Duties vary based on school/program needs, including generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, or autism support.

Responsibilities

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure participation for all special education students.
• Administer tests, homework, and assignments to assist in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provide first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or medically fragile students.
• Support students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding, assisting menstruating students) to enable school participation.
• Attend meetings and in-service training (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to maintain job-related competencies.
• Confer with special education and mainstream teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicate with parents via phone, email, or meetings to report student progress as outlined in IEPs.
• Implement behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to ensure safety and consistency.
• Instruct students individually or in groups (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce IEP goals.
• Maintain instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, tracking attendance, grading papers).
• Monitor students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeteria) to ensure safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following:
  • Qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment;
  • Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution;
  • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100-level or higher;
  • Completion of a paraeducator apprenticeship registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.
• Ability to:
  • Perform basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and follow multi-step instructions.
  • Adapt to changing priorities, communicate with diverse groups, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Work as part of a team, handle interruptions, and use standard office equipment/software.
  • Lift up to 50 pounds (seldom), support students with physical needs, and perform tasks requiring fine motor skills.
• Knowledge of:
  • Instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, and child development stages.
  • Safety practices, conflict resolution, and behavior management techniques.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance, CPR, First Aid, and secure training certifications (required post-hire).

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits (e.g., healthcare) is determined by working 630+ hours per school year (September 1–August 31). Benefits are administered through the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule for this role (ISE-203).