Robert Eagle Staff Middle - 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/ISE-203 supports 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 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 participation for all special education students.
• Administers tests, homework, and graded materials 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 acquire and convey job-related information.
• 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 remediate deficiencies per IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, checking papers, tracking attendance) to ensure availability and reliability.
• Monitors students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeteria) to provide a safe and 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 institution; 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.
• Willingness to obtain training in CPR, First Aid, and secure practices.

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 use; ability to learn signing if required.
• Abilities:
  • Adapting to changing priorities and working with constant interruptions.
  • Communicating with diverse groups and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Working as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
  • Gathering and collating data; 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, mobility, medical care).
• Work environment is generally clean and healthy, with 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing.
• May require handling medically fragile children or assisting with structured learning and behavior shaping.

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 administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).