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

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested
• Respect confidentiality regarding student needs and abilities
• 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.
• 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. Support students' meaningful inclusion in the general education classroom, including preparing for transitions and generalizing 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. Assist students with emotional regulation and coping skills, and support their 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.

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

• This position is eligible for 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.