Lowell Elementary - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Focus) - 1.0 FTE

About the role

This position is a one-to-one role in the Focus service pathway within the Special Education department. The Special Education Assistant/ISE-203 supports the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in regular or self-contained classrooms, implements instructional plans, monitors student behavior, and attends IEP meetings. Duties vary based on program needs, such as generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, or autism support.

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 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 teachers and parents to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to ensure safety and consistency.
• Instructs students individually or in groups (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce instructional objectives and remediate deficiencies per IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, checking papers, 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.
• At least one of the following:
  • A qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment; or
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
  • 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.
• Completion of required training (e.g., CPR, First Aid, secure training).

Skills

• Basic math skills, including fractions, percents, and ratios.
• Ability to read manuals, write documents, and follow multi-step instructions.
• Knowledge of instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development stages.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and use software applications.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate records.
• Flexibility to work with diverse individuals and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and maintain confidentiality.
• Teamwork and ability to handle constant interruptions.
• Basic keyboarding skills and willingness to learn personal computer use.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds (seldom), climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and fine finger dexterity.

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 in a year are eligible for benefits administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and similar positions (01).