Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Autism Center-Based Program

Job Description

Provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who may exhibit complex learning and/or behavioral challenges. As a critical member of the special education team, primarily responsible for implementing student-specific support plans and fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

Essential Environmental Demands

• Typical classroom noise
• Mostly clean and comfortable
• Work is generally performed in a typical education classroom environment with standard desk, equipment for students, fluorescent lighting, and moderate noise level
• Equipment And Vehicles Used: General classroom and office equipment

Essential Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting forty (40) to seventy (70) pounds
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting and walking
• Occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, and standing
• Ability to run short distances

Responsibilities

• Instructional Support:
• Assist the Special Education Teacher with the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Support students in accessing the curriculum and completing social/play, adaptives, and academic tasks, including tasks that are modified or accommodated based on the IEP
• Facilitate and model the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and other communication supports throughout the school day
• Prepare for transitions and generalize skills taught in the center
• Behavioral Support & Intervention:
• Implement student-specific Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and behavior management strategies with fidelity
• Provide one-on-one (1:1) or small group support for students with significant safety and behavioral concerns, including but not limited to, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, and elopement
• Support students' emotional regulation and coping skills, and provide access to sensory accommodations and a safe space
• Collect and maintain accurate daily data on student behavior and academic progress as required by the IEP team
• Program & Safety Support:
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students within the center and general education settings, addressing safety concerns immediately
• Collaborate with the Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), and other team members

Qualifications

• Education: High School or Equivalent
• Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage and respond to complex and challenging student behaviors, Extremely strong interpersonal communication skills and a collaborative work style

Benefits

• Health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options
• Paid sick and personal time