Robert Eagle Staff Middle - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Extended Resource) - 1.0 FTE

This position is assigned to a student in the Extended Resource service pathway. For more information about our special education service pathways, visit the SPS Special Education Department website.

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure all special education students can participate.
• Administers tests, homework, and other materials to assist teachers 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 special education and mainstream teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicates with parents via phone calls, emails, or 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 or in groups (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce instructional objectives and address remediation needs.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, grading 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; 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.
• Required training: Secure Training, CPR, and First Aid certifications.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge:
  • Basic math (fractions, percents, ratios).
  • Reading manuals, writing documents, and presenting information.
  • Understanding complex, multi-step instructions.
  • Instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development stages.
• Skills:
  • Performing multiple non-technical tasks and upgrading skills as needed.
  • Adhering to safety practices and operating standard office equipment (e.g., software applications).
  • Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
  • Keyboarding and basic computer use; ability to learn signing if required.
• Abilities:
  • Gathering and collating data; using job-related equipment.
  • Working with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, and functioning as part of a team.
  • Adapting to changing priorities and working with constant interruptions.
  • Physical demands: Sitting (45%), walking (25%), standing (30%); occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; fine finger dexterity.

Benefits

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered through the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligibility is determined by scheduled work hours (630+ hours per year).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule for this role and similar positions.

Reporting Relationships

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