SOESD Education Assistant: Multiple and Severe Disabilities (STEPS CARE) for the 2026-27 school year

The Southern Oregon Education Service District is seeking a caring special education assistant to provide 1:1 support and instruction to students in their highly regarded STEPS program. STEPS (Specialized Training and Educational Program Services) classrooms serve students with multiple/severe disabilities, including those with medical or health needs. The purpose of the STEPS CARE (Comfort, Attention and Response to Emergencies) program is to support students' independence in daily living skills and communication and growth in vocational, social, and motor development.

This outstanding program is characterized by a low student-to-staff ratio, individualized instruction, specialized equipment and materials, and an experienced staff of teachers and educational assistants. Educational assistants are an integral part of the program, contributing to the success of each student and the overall functioning of a tightly knit classroom team. Educational assistants are provided ongoing training and support, which results in knowledgeable, competent staff who are valued and appreciated by parents and the community.

About SOESD

Southern Oregon ESD has locations in the Rogue Valley and Klamath County. The Rogue Valley is the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Klamath Falls offers a unique blend of affordability, outdoor recreation, and community, making it an appealing option for those seeking a rural lifestyle. Klamath County is proudly the home of Crater Lake National Park. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, outdoor sports are unlimited for all ages and all seasons.

Position Goal

Educational Assistant - Multiple and Severe Disabilities (STEPS CARE)

Provide assistance in assessment, instruction, care of students, preparation of materials, and clerical tasks as specified by the assigned teacher.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the assessment of student performance levels.
• Assist in the instruction of individual and groups of students as related to students' IEP goals.
• Assist in the feeding, toileting, physical care, health needs, and safety of students.
• Assist in the participation of students with nondisabled peers in regular classes and in extra-curricular and other nonacademic activities.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of work experience sites.
• Assist in the application of student management procedures, including participation in functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and implementation of behavior support plans (BSPs) and crisis intervention plans (CIPs).
• Assist in the recording and maintaining of student performance data.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional and other materials.
• Follow classroom practices, standards, and procedures.
• Use computers and other technology devices and systems for communication, data recording and reporting, and student instruction and support.
• Perform organizational and clerical tasks as assigned.
• Communicate clearly and make independent decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Participate as an effective team member.
• Participate in professional growth activities.
• Comply with local district and ESD rules and policies.
• Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.
• Perform job-related tasks as designated by teacher.
  
  

Minimum Prerequisites

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children in educational or other settings.
• Ability to follow directions and learn new procedures.
• Ability to provide care for student's physical needs.
• Ability to project a friendly and supportive attitude.
• Ability to obtain a CPR and First Aid training certification.
• Ability to obtain Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification.
• Ability to learn and follow delegable medical procedures.
• A valid Oregon driver's license.
  
  

Any equivalent combination of experience, training, certification, education, or degree, deemed by the district, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this job may be used as an alternatives to prerequisites.

Location: In person Crater High School or Howard Elementary

LENGTH OF POSITION: 190 days (academic year)

SALARY: Southern Oregon ESD Classified Hourly Compensation Schedule 2026-2027: $18.79 - $22.49

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Department Administrator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE And Over)

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to $2185.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental, and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including an additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation, and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.
  
  

Health Insurance

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax
  
  

Options

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership
  
  

The following physical requirements are essential functions of the Educational Assistant- Multiple and Severe Disabilities (STEPS CARE Program):

• Stand/Walk:4-6 Hrs/Day
• Sit:1-4 Hrs/Day
• Drive:1-4 Hrs/Day
• Bending:Frequently
• Squat:Frequently
• Climb Stairs:Occasionally
• Single Grasping:Frequently
• Pushing:Frequently
• Pulling:Occasionally
• Fine Manipulation:Frequently
• Repetitive Foot Controls:Not At All
• Lifting (less than 25 lbs):Frequently
• Lifting ( 25 - 50 lbs):Frequently
• Lifting (50 - 75 lbs):Frequently
• Lifting (75 - 100 lbs):Frequently
  
  

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.