POSITION:  Special Educational Assistant

LOCATION: Centennial Middle School

HOURS: 6.5 Hours Per Day (9:10am - 4:10pm)

DAYS: 190 Days Per Year (will be prorated based on start date for the 2023-2024 school year)

SALARY: $18.36 - $21.01 Per Hour (Range 5)

BENEFITS: PERS, Medical, Dental, Vision, Optional Insurances, Paid Leaves, Holiday Pay, etc.

START DATE: September 11, 2023, or when filled

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT(S): The job of Educational Assistant is to assist a certificated teacher in the planning and implementation of instructional programs for students. Employees in this job group perform paraprofessional duties in settings where special instructional programs and teaching techniques are used to address moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities; special social/behavioral, cultural, and language needs; or instruction in academic, technical, vocational, or talented and gifted programs. This can be accomplished through one-on-one and small group instruction and tutoring; and can include assistance in the testing of students and performing a variety of clerical duties in support of these programs. Some positions require aptitude and skill in working with the particular disability or learning needs of the students. Some positions may be associated with federal NCLB paraprofessional requirements. Methods of performing tasks are usually left to the judgment of the employee with a supervisor giving occasional instructions, advice, or direction; work is reviewed periodically while in progress and upon completion.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the planning and implementing of learning experiences of students enrolled in program.
• Confer with teacher(s) to provide feedback on student performance in tutorial and testing activities.
• Interpret Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and related instructional plans, within guidelines set by certificated teacher.
• Instruct students in small group and one-on-one settings.
• Revise lesson plan or teaching strategy during instructional activity as necessary to achieve IEP goals and objectives.
• Conduct student testing using prescribed test batteries upon receiving necessary training; correct tests and records scores; and inform teacher of any unusual academic or disciplinary problems.
• Help students develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Promote safety of the students by helping them develop self-confidence.
• Interpret and implement a behavior management program; train and assist students in behavior management.
• Provide education regarding appropriate interpersonal actions; respond to discipline problems; act as a role model.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Attend in-service and workshop training related to area of assignment and apply training to instructional responsibilities.
• Perform a variety of general clerical duties, including writing attendance reports, grading papers and maintaining accurate files.
• Assist, as requested, in communication between students, teachers and parents.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS – QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience Preferred: Prior job related experience in working with students of special needs.
• Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required:

General skills in all Educational Assistant positions in English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

General knowledge in all Educational Assistant positions include modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software, a required by specific assignment. The principles, practices and techniques of instruction related to area of assignment.

Special education-related knowledge: Provisions of PL 94-142, or the ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of such provisions. Proper childcare techniques and the techniques and methods of student supervision and classroom management, in settings involving moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and social/behavioral problems.

General abilities in all Educational Assistant positions include working effectively in an environment which can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing. Deal in an empathetic manner with learning and/or physical disabilities exhibited by students within the area of assignment. Learn growth and development principles of students with special needs according to one’s area of assignment. Learn basic first aid and safety requirements. Work in a team setting. Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Perform physical job tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Special education-related abilities: Deliver instructional programs to students who have moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and/or social/behavioral problems. Work with students who may exhibit aggressive assault behavior, as required of specific job assignment. Work with students who require attention to basic feeding and personal hygiene needs, as required of specific job. Understand and appropriately interpret IEP's, and work independently in the absence of direct teacher contact, to carry out the goals and objectives of an IEP.

Ability to speak a second language preferred. 

• Education Required: Must meet one of the following options:
  • Completed two years of college
  • Hold a two-year degree
  • Hold a state or local “No Child Left Behind” certification
•  Licenses, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance (applicant agrees to assume cost upon offer of employment).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board’s Policy on Evaluation of Support Staff Personnel. Reports to appropriate Principal.