South Shore PreK-8 - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Extended Resource K-5) - 1.0 FTE

This position is assigned to the Extended Resource service pathway. For more details, 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 program needs (e.g., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism).

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 children.
• 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 acquire job-related information.
• Confers with teachers and parents (via calls, emails, meetings) to share student progress per 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 IEP goals and remediate deficiencies.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, tracking attendance, grading papers).
• 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 work unit efficiency.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic math (fractions, percents, ratios), ability to read manuals, follow multi-step instructions, and present information.
• Specific knowledge of instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development stages.
• Skills in adhering to safety practices, operating office equipment, preparing records, and using software applications.
• Ability to gather/collate data, adapt to changing priorities, communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, and work as part of a team.
• Keyboarding skills; ability to learn personal computer use. May require basic signing.
• Physical demands: Seldom lifting up to 50 lbs, frequent stooping/kneeling/crouching, and fine finger dexterity. May require handling medically fragile children.
• Work environment: Generally clean and healthy; 45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following:
  • Qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment (PESB); or
  • Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution; 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.
• Preferred: Experience working with children.
• Required clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance, CPR/First Aid certification, and secure training.

Benefits

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

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule for this role.