Special Education Assistant-DCD (K-4)

Department/Building: Riverside Elementary School. Reports to: Building Principal – Jill Bjorge. Assignment: 2026‑2027 School Year – Ongoing. Hours: 8 per day, Monday through Friday during school year. Salary Range: $16.50 – $17.15 per hour (based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Educational Assistants Union Contract). Union: Ed MN. FLSA: Non‑Exempt.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, PERA Pension, 403b
• Paid sick & personal leave

Job Summary

The Special Education Paraprofessional will assist and carry out the goals, objectives and adaptations in the individual education plan of special needs students in various settings; classrooms, physical education, lunchroom, bus loading area, cafeteria and common spaces.

Essential Functions

• Carry out duties and responsibilities outlined in a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Assist student(s) in individual and group settings, including resource rooms, inclusive classrooms, community or volunteer settings.
• Provide specialized instruction, interventions, and accommodations as outlined in the IEP.
• Team with classroom and/or special education teachers to deliver instruction.
• Demonstrate and model appropriate developmental and behavioral skills through play or interaction.
• Assist students with self‑help and independent living skills such as dressing, toileting (including diaper changes and toilet training), eating (including adapted utensils or feeding tubes), and use of assistive devices (prosthetics, braces, wheelchairs, communication technology).
• Support students in developmentally adaptive physical education activities and Special Olympics events.
• Supervise students during lunch, recess, field trips, and emergency situations or during teacher absences.
• Monitor classroom instruction to ensure student progress and a safe learning environment.
• Perform bus duty, including riding the bus, following prescribed bus programs, and reporting student behavior/needs to the case manager.
• Participate physically with students in taught activities.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, classroom teachers, and related service providers to ensure student safety and success.
• Maintain confidentiality and develop effective working relationships with students.
• Support building and classroom discipline policies.
• Maintain good communication and a cooperative working environment with other staff.
• Participate in assigned professional development.
• Follow building procedures manual and district policies.
• Work cooperatively with the building administrator, accepting constructive feedback and direction.
• Address disagreements with fellow employees constructively and respectfully.
• Monitor student progress on assigned tasks.
• Follow district policy in reporting suspected abuse/neglect.
• Perform all other duties identified by the IEP team or assigned by administrative authority.

Qualifications

• Highly‑qualified paraprofessional requirements: two‑year associate degree, 60 college credits, PARA‑PRO or PARA‑E‑LINK certification.
• Experience working with students with physical, cognitive, and/or mild behavioral needs.
• Handle with Care training certification required within three months of hire and maintained.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work as part of a team.
• Flexibility based on program and student needs.
• Ability to assist students in individual or group settings, including as a job coach in community settings.
• Ability to implement and follow specific therapies and programs prescribed by the IEP, including lifting, transferring, positioning, and assisting with daily living activities.
• Ability to collect data on student progress as defined in the IEP.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in volatile situations and respond quickly.
• Ability to work under supervision of a site principal and/or special education teacher.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with constant interruptions.
• Ability to work with students, families, professionals, and staff of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with all levels of staff and the public.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.