Special Education Assistant (Autism) (2026-2027) River Bend

Organizational Unit: River Bend (10000019); Site: Riverbend (0625); FTE: 78.13; Union: ESP(28); Functional Area: Paraprofessional; Open until filled.

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. This position supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for the SY 2026-2027.

Responsibilities

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities
• 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
• Encouraged to work additional hours as bus aide
• CLASS DESIGNATIONS Intervention SEA: Provide support in the least restrictive environment so students are successful in resource settings; ensure behavior support plans are being implemented with fidelity for students in special education resource settings
• Personal transportation is required as position may vary

Requirements

• Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment 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
• Additional education or training may substitute for experience, at the discretion of Human Resources
• Related experience may also be considered, at the discretion of Human Resources
• First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation is required within one year
• A job in this category 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-pl