Special Education Assistant (SERIS) (2026-2027) Sullivan PK-8

Requisition ID: 104821 | FTE: 0.7875 (31.5 hrs/week) | Union: Educational Support Professionals (ESP)

About the Role

Responsible for providing a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment. Supports MPS staff in developing and implementing individualized lessons and activities for students with disabilities. Promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, and self-advocacy skills while helping students meet their therapy and education goals.

Responsibilities

• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS, performing duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies and quality standards.
• Assists MPS staff in facilitating educational functions and services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, sensitive to individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students.
• Supports students in learning processes by applying Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforcing positive behavior, providing individual instruction, and encouraging peer socialization.
• Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files and documentation of student progress, including behavior logs, observations, and anecdotal information for IEP, FBA, and SAIL programs.
• Assists with student transitions for medications, meals, buses, and classes; attends to students’ daily hygiene, personal, and health-related cares as directed by licensed staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school, leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares classroom environment and materials; provides assistance in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answering questions and explaining school rules.
• Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

Class Designations

• Bilingual: Interpret and translate educational programming for students with both Special Education and English Language Learner needs. Requires oral and written fluency in English and a second language (Amharic, Cambodian, Hmong, Liberian, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tibetan, or Vietnamese) and bicultural background. Works in conjunction with Special Education and regular education teachers.
• Intervention SEA: Provides support in the least restrictive environment to ensure success in resource settings; implements Prevent, Teach, Reinforce behavior support plans with fidelity. Personal transportation required as position may move between sites.
• SEA Cadre: Serves as a reserve/substitute Special Education Assistant, assigned on an emergency basis to support schools/programs across disability areas. Personal transportation required as position may move between sites.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One of the following:
  • Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences, or related field.
  • Passing score of 460 or higher on the ParaPro Assessment.
  • Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Two years of paid experience working with children.
• Knowledge of classroom policies, procedures, and processes; methods to assist students in reading, writing, and mathematics; and techniques for working with students with disabilities.
• Skill in monitoring and improving student behavior, assessing educational needs, maintaining composure under stress, and communicating effectively with children and diverse individuals.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work collaboratively.

Licenses and Certifications

• Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Special Education Assistant Onboarding Training required within 60 days of employment.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation required within one year of employment based on assignment.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a classroom environment with moderate physical requirements.
• Requires occasionally lifting file boxes or heavier materials with assistance and frequently lifting/carrying light objects.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Involves significant walking or standing and working with special needs children.
• Eligibility for position is based on passing the required pre-placement exam.

Benefits

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

Pay

Salary Range: $27.17–$30.75 per hour