Special Education Assistant (1:1) (Program) [ASD] - (2026-2027) Marcy

About the role

Under general supervision, provides a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment; assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualization lessons and activities for students with disabilities; helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities and assist MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services that maintains a safe and productive learning environment, sensitive to the needs and legal rights of Special Education students; work with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning.
• Assist students in learning processes through reinforcement of positive behavior, individual instruction, socialization and good communications.
• Monitor student activities, promote respect, explain social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalate personal confrontations.
• Maintain behavior documentation, written observations and anecdotal information files for Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA).
• Monitor work, correct papers and transition students for medications, meals, buses and classes.
• Attend to and provide for students' daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed staff.
• Assist students in community, recreational, school and vocational training.
• Provide assistance to students in classrooms and after-school programs.
• Ensure behavior support plans are being implemented with fidelity for students in special education resource settings.

Qualifications

• Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits or higher OR a passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
• Two years of experience working with children.
• Associate's degree in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment (preferred).
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities (preferred).

Licenses and certifications

• First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation required within one year.

Physical demands

• May require walking or standing to a significant degree, and working with special needs children.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

Eligibility for position is based on passing the required pre-placement exam. Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• HSA & FSA
• Retirement plan

Position is .7875 FTE; 31.50 hours/week (41 weeks); this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time.