Educational Assistant III (Special Education - MAPS PLUS) - Full-Time

7.5 hours per day, 184 days per year (August - June). Building assignment to be determined.

About the role

The Educational Assistant III (MAPS+) assists in the delivery of instructional programs by helping the MAPS+ teacher implement classroom activities, assess student progress, and reinforce instruction by leading small groups and individuals. The role provides intensive support to special needs students, including hands-on guidance in developing essential life skills and specialized support for students who are unable to assist themselves.

Reports to the Principal or Assistant Principal, and indirectly to the MAPS+ Classroom Teacher or Building Secretary.

Responsibilities

• Assists in implementing classroom learning exercises planned by the MAPS+ Teacher.
• Works directly with special needs students to provide transition programs, adaptive strategies, life-skills practice, and remedial work.
• Assists in providing for the nutritional, health, and communications needs of special needs students.
• Assists in the physical management of special needs MAPS+ students, including lifting, moving, positioning, and restraining.
• Assists special needs MAPS+ students with essential bodily functions, including feeding, toileting, diapering, catheterizing, and implementing medical protocols.
• Escorts and supervises special needs students in various non-classroom settings.
• Oversees group activity in the classroom, including supervision of the whole class for short periods.
• Assists small groups or individuals with skill reinforcement or lesson assignments.
• Presents teacher-designed subject matter through various methods.
• Coordinates daily activities and instruction as directed.
• Assists in proctoring assessments and maintaining student records.
• Supervises student gathering points (playgrounds, cafeteria, bus stops, hallways).
• Assists in classroom set-up and maintenance of materials and supplies.
• Corrects student work and distributes instructional materials.
• Confers with teaching staff or parents about student progress.
• Assists in ordering, preparing, and administering instructional materials.
• Assists the MAPS+ classroom teacher in preparing for IEP meetings and tracking IEP data; may be required to participate in IEP meetings, 504 meetings, and other staff meetings.
• Assists in behavioral management.
• Accompanies students on school bus routes.
• Performs clerical duties (word processing, phone coverage, public interface), including documenting health-related procedures, observations, and incidents.
• Reports safety, sanitary, and fire hazards immediately.
• Complies with District policies and procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (may be waived by the school district).
• One of the following:
  • Associate's degree from an accredited institution,
  • Completion of two years of post-high school study,
  • Passing score on the District's assessment of reading, writing, and math skills,
  • General knowledge of English language arts and mathematics.
• Completion of student restraint training within 30 days of hire.
• Willingness to participate in training and certification (e.g., CPI, First Aid, Ukeru, epipen).
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication.

Special Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to students with a range of critical functions, including toileting, feeding, implementing necessary medical protocols, specialized therapies, and behavioral interventions.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Works primarily within the MAPS+ classroom and other campus areas.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit for long periods, and monitor multiple students.
• Capable of physical tasks (pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, reaching).
• Works with students requiring physical and/or medical assistance and those with hostile behaviors.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment with fluctuating noise levels, ranging from quiet instructional settings to loud, unpredictable student interactions.
• Exposure to unpredictable or aggressive behaviors, requiring application of trained responses.
• Requires manual dexterity and sufficient eyesight.
• May work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Potential exposures: inclement weather, allergens, blood-borne pathogens, dirt, odors, dust, temperature extremes.

Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Pay

$20.63 - $24.80 per hour, depending upon approved accepted experience.

• Longevity pay after completion of 6 years of employment.
• Annual COLA pay increase (as negotiated with Oregon School Employees Association).
• Annual step pay increase awarded to eligible employees.

Benefits

• 8 paid holidays annually.
• 10 paid sick leave days per year.
• 2 paid personal leave days per year.
• 5 paid bereavement leave days per year, per occurrence.
• Up to $2,193 per month district-paid contribution toward full-family medical, dental, and vision insurance (for full-time employees).
• $500 per month opt-out stipend for employees who demonstrate other health insurance coverage under a qualifying employer-sponsored group medical plan (for full-time employees).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 6% district-paid contribution towards Oregon Public Employees Retirement System.
• $60 per month employer match into a tax-sheltered annuity when employee contributes $35 per month.