Washington Middle - Special Education Assistant 1-1 (Distinct) - 1.0 FTE

About the role

This position is a one-to-one role within the distinct service pathway of the Special Education Department. The Special Education Assistant/ISE-203 supports the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in regular or self-contained classrooms, implements instructional plans, monitors student behavior, and attends IEP meetings. Duties vary based on program needs, such as generalist support, severe/profound disabilities, behavior disorders, hearing impairment, or autism.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure participation for all special education students.
• Administers tests, homework, and assignments to assist in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provides first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or medically fragile students.
• Assists students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding, supporting menstruating students) to enable school functionality.
• Attends meetings and in-service training (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to maintain job-related competencies.
• Confers regularly with teachers and parents to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to ensure safety and consistency.
• Instructs students individually or in groups (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills) to reinforce instructional objectives and remediate deficiencies per IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records (e.g., adapting materials, grading papers, tracking attendance).
• Monitors students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeteria) to ensure safety and a positive learning environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following:
  • A qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment; or
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or
  • Seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the 100 level or higher; or
  • Completion of a paraeducator apprenticeship program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.
• Ability to pass a criminal justice fingerprint background clearance.
• Experience working with children (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of:
  • Instructional procedures and practices.
  • Age-appropriate student activities.
  • Safety practices and conflict resolution.
  • Stages of child development and behavior.
• Ability to:
  • Perform basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and follow multi-step instructions.
  • Adapt to changing work priorities and communicate with diverse groups.
  • Maintain confidentiality and work as part of a team.
  • Operate standard office equipment and use pertinent software applications.
  • Handle constant interruptions and keyboard proficiently.
  • Learn basic signing (if required).
• Physical demands:
  • Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds (with or without assistance).
  • Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fine finger dexterity.
  • Supporting students with physical needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, mobility).
  • Approximately 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing during a 7-hour period.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by working 630 hours or more during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and similar positions (01).

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the building Principal if assigned through staffing formulas. If based centrally, reports to an assigned Special Education Supervisor.