Sacajawea 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/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, including generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, or autism support.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure participation for all special education students.
• 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 enable school functionality.
• Attends meetings and in-service training (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to maintain job-related competencies.
• Confers with special education and mainstream teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicates with parents via calls, emails, or meetings to report student progress as outlined in IEPs.
• 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, 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/university; or
  • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher; or
  • Completion of a paraeducator apprenticeship registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.
• Ability to:
  • Perform basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and follow multi-step instructions.
  • Adapt to changing priorities, communicate with diverse groups, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Work as part of a team, handle interruptions, and use standard office equipment/software.
  • Keyboard and, if required, perform basic signing.
• Physical demands include:
  • Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).
  • Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fine finger dexterity.
  • Supporting medically fragile students (e.g., toileting, tube feeding, behavior shaping).
  • 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing during a 7-hour period.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance.
• Completion of required training (e.g., CPR, First Aid, secure training).

Benefits

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

Pay

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