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

Requisition ID: 104802 | Open until filled | 78.13 FTE (based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time) | Union: ESP

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 individualized lessons and activities for students with disabilities, helping students 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 maintain 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 through reinforcement of positive behavior, individual instruction, socialization, and good communications.
• Monitor student activities, promote respect, explain social norms and disciplinary consequences, and 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 settings.
• Provide assistance to students in classrooms and after-school programs.
• Encouraged to work additional hours as a bus aide.
• Provide support in the least restrictive environment to ensure students are successful in resource settings; ensure behavior support plans are 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 an 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. (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476 or www.ets.org/parapro)
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Education or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Licenses and Certifications

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

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Job 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 appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

Pay

$27.17 - $30.75 per hour

Benefits

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