West Seattle High - Special Education Assistant (Distinct) - 1.0 FTE

About the Role

This position is assigned to the distinct service pathway within 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. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, providing information to school personnel, and attending IEP meetings. Duties vary based on program needs, such as generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, or autism support.

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 with special education and mainstream teachers to evaluate student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicates with parents via calls, emails, or meetings to report student progress as outlined in IEPs.
• 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;
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
  • Seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the 100 level or higher;
  • 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 check.
• Completion of required training (e.g., CPR, First Aid, secure training).

Skills & Qualifications

Knowledge

• Basic math (fractions, percents, ratios) and ability to follow multi-step instructions.
• Instructional procedures, age-appropriate student activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development/behavior stages.

Skills

• Adhering to safety practices and operating standard office equipment (e.g., software applications).
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Keyboarding and basic computer use; ability to learn signing if required.

Abilities

• Adapting to changing priorities and working with constant interruptions.
• Communicating with diverse groups and maintaining confidentiality.
• Working as part of a team and supporting structured learning/behavior shaping.
• Gathering and collating data; problem-solving to identify issues and create action plans.

Working Conditions

• Physical demands: Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; significant fine finger dexterity. May require handling medically fragile students or assisting with personal care.
• Work environment: Generally clean and healthy; 45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing.
• Reporting: Reports to the building Principal (if assigned through staffing formulas) or a Special Education Supervisor (if centrally based).

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by scheduled work hours (630+ hours/year). Benefits are administered through the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).