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

About the role

This position is part of the Resource service pathway within the Special Education Department. The Special Education Assistant supports the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in regular or self-contained classrooms. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, 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 all special education students can participate.
• Administers tests, homework, and assignments to assist teachers 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 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, email, 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 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 or university; or
  • Seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight 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 pass a criminal justice fingerprint background check.
• Required training: Secure Training, CPR, and First Aid.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge:
  • Basic math (fractions, percents, ratios).
  • Instructional procedures and age-appropriate student activities.
  • Safety practices, conflict resolution, and stages of child development/behavior.
• Skills:
  • Adhering to safety practices and operating standard office equipment (e.g., software applications).
  • Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
  • Keyboarding and basic computer use; may require basic signing.
• Abilities:
  • Adapting to changing work priorities and communicating with diverse groups.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and working as part of a team.
  • Handling constant interruptions and problem-solving to identify issues and create action plans.

Working Conditions

• 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, assisting with menstruation).
  • Approximate time allocation: 45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing.
• Work environment is generally clean and healthy.

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).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and similar positions (link provided in the original posting).

Note: Reporting relationships vary—assigned to a building Principal if placed through staffing formulas or to a Special Education Supervisor if based centrally.