North Beach Elementary - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Focus) - 1.0 FTE

About the Role

This position supports students in the Focus service pathway within the Special Education department. The Special Education Assistant/ISE-203 assists in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in both regular and self-contained classrooms. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, providing information to school personnel, and attending IEP meetings. Duties vary based on program needs, such as generalist support, severe/profound disabilities, behavior disorders, hearing impairment, or autism.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure participation for all special education students.
• Administers tests, homework, and other materials to assist in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provides first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or medically fragile children.
• 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 address deficiencies per IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student files/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, plus 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.
• Secure training in CPR and First Aid.

Skills & Qualifications

Knowledge

• Basic math, including fractions, percents, and ratios.
• Ability to read manuals, write documents, and present information to others.
• Understanding of complex, multi-step instructions.
• Instructional procedures and practices.
• Age-appropriate student activities.
• Safety practices and procedures.
• Conflict resolution techniques.
• Stages of child development and behavior.

Skills

• Performing multiple, non-technical tasks and upgrading skills as needed.
• Adhering to safety practices.
• Operating standard office equipment and software applications.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Keyboarding and basic computer use.
• Basic signing (may be required).

Abilities

• Gathering and collating data.
• Using job-related equipment.
• Adapting to changing work priorities.
• Communicating with diverse groups.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Working as part of a team and handling constant interruptions.
• Flexibility to work with others in varied circumstances and utilize standardized methods.

Working Conditions

• Physical demands include:
  • Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).
  • Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
  • Significant fine finger dexterity.
  • Supporting medically fragile children and addressing physical needs (e.g., toileting, feeding).
• Work environment is generally clean and healthy.
• Approximate time allocation: 45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing.

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 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).