Special Education Assistant (Program) [ASD] - (2026-2027) Olson Middle

About the role

Responsible for providing 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; promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, as well as self-advocacy skills; helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

Essential Functions

• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS;
• Performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants;
• Affords assistance to MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, that is also sensitive to the individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students;
• Works with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning;
• Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization;
• Maintains 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);
• Maintains the classroom environment and material to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs;
• Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed staff;
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school and leisure activities, and vocational training;
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal;
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules;
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment;
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures;
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED;
• Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment;
• OR Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment;
• Two (2) years of paid experience working with children;
• OR Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge and Skills

• Education, Training And Experience Guidelines;
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics;
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs;
• Local community resources and regional community services programs;
• Basic principles of record keeping and records management;
• Computers utilizing standard and specialized software;
• Safety rules and regulations;
• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills;
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs;
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions;
• Reacting appropriately to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems;
• Communicating effectively with children;
• Following verbal and written instructions;
• Working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements;
• Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently;
• 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.

License and Certification Requirements

• Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

Organizational Information

• Bargaining Unit: Educational Support Specialists;
• Grade: Group CFLSA Status: Non-Exempt;
• Job Group: Student Support;
• Revised: September 9, 2024;
• Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee.

Posting Notes

• [No Established Closing Date]
• Olson Middle (10000080)
• Olson (0318)
• Paraprofessional