Educational Assistant (EA IV) Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

About the Role

Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN), including those with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and possible physical, health, or medical impairments. As a critical member of the special education team, supports functional, academic, and life skills instruction, assists with personal care and medical needs, and promotes student safety, engagement, and independence within a structured and supportive learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs is preferred.

Essential Physical Requirements

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

Equipment Used

• General classroom and office equipment

Essential Environmental Demands

• Typical classroom noise
• Mostly clean and comfortable

Responsibilities

Health, Mobility, & Safety

• Assist with student positioning, transferring (e.g., from wheelchair to stander, floor to chair), and mobility using specialized equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, standers).
• Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, which may include seizure monitoring, administration of emergency medication (e.g., Diastat, Epipen), or basic first aid, following all required training and protocols.
• Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, including cleaning/sanitizing equipment and materials used for personal care and instruction.
• Closely supervise students during transitions, outdoor activities, and during mealtimes to ensure safety and prevent injury.

Functional & Life Skills Support

• Support the implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academics, functional skills, communication, social skills, and vocational training.
• Provide support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN) across settings, including general education environments, by ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies.
• Support students with daily living and functional skills, including but not limited to, dressing, feeding (including G-tube feeding as trained and delegated), toileting/diapering, and personal hygiene.
• Aid students in using various communication methods, including sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Requirements

• High School or Equivalent (Required)

Skills

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for implementing IEPs, health plans, and behavior protocols with high fidelity.
• Strong commitment to student dignity, safety, and promoting the maximum level of independence for all students.
• Willingness and ability to assist students with personal care, toileting, and mobility, including lifting and transferring (with appropriate training and assistance).

Position Details

Primary Location: Wildcat Mountain Elementary

Position Type: Regular

One Year Only: No

Scheduled Hours Per Week: 37.5

FTE: 0.94

Approx Scheduled Days Per Year: 180 Work Days

Pay

Minimum Hire Rate: $19.84 USD Hourly

Maximum Hire Rate: $25.20 USD Hourly

Full Salary Range: $19.84 USD - $30.55 USD Hourly

All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 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

Time Off Plans

This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.