Fairmount Park Elementary - Special Education Assistant (Extended Resource) - 1.0 FTE

About the Role

This position is part of the Extended Resource service pathway within the Special Education Department. The Special Education Assistant supports the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in both regular and self-contained classrooms. Duties vary based on program needs, including generalist support, severe/profound disabilities, behavior disorders, hearing impairment, autism, and more.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure all special education students can participate.
• Administers tests, homework, and assignments to assist teachers in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provides first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or medically fragile students.
• Assists students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding, supporting menstruating students) to help them function in the school environment.
• Attends meetings and in-service training (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to stay informed about job functions.
• Confers regularly with special education and mainstream teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicates with parents via phone calls, emails, and meetings to provide updates on student progress as outlined in their IEP.
• Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to ensure safety and consistency.
• Instructs students individually and in groups, reinforcing academic, social, and daily living skills in alignment with IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records, including adapting materials and tracking attendance.
• Monitors students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeteria) to ensure safety and a positive learning environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following:
  • A qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment;
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
  • Seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or
  • Completion of a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.
• Ability to pass a criminal justice fingerprint background check.
• Preferred: Experience working with children.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge:
  • Basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and ability to follow multi-step instructions.
  • Instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development stages.
• Skills:
  • Adhering to safety practices and operating standard office equipment (e.g., software applications).
  • Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
  • Keyboarding and basic computer skills; ability to learn signing if required.
• Abilities:
  • Adapting to changing priorities and working with constant interruptions.
  • Communicating effectively with diverse groups and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Working as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
  • Gathering and collating data, and using job-related equipment.

Working Conditions

• Physical demands include:
  • Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).
  • Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fine finger dexterity.
  • Supporting students with physical needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, behavior shaping).
• Work environment is generally clean and healthy, with a mix of sitting (45%), walking (25%), and standing (30%).

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours worked during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees scheduled to work 630 hours or more annually are eligible for benefits through the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it (01).

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the building Principal if assigned through staffing formulas. If based centrally, reports to an assigned Special Education Supervisor.