Special Education Assistant (Program) [ASD] - (2026-2027) Lake Nokomis Wenonah Elementary

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
• 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
• 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

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 (additional education or training may substitute for experience, at the discretion of Human Resources; related experience may also be considered)
• Preferred: Associate's degree in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment
• Preferred: Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Required within one year: First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation
• Physical demands: frequent walking or standing; ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Benefits

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

Pay

Salary range: $27.17 – $30.75 (hourly)

Schedule

FTE: 78.75; 31.75 hours per week (41 weeks per year)