Special Education Assistant

Job Summary
Assist special education teacher in supporting the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in regular and special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-care, behavior regulation, and instruction programs. Accompany special education students on bus routes as required in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). This position reports to the Building Administrator and Assistant Director of Student Services.

The rate of pay is $24.62 per hour, based on the 2023-25 Master Agreement between SSP #6 and Local No. 7312, Educational Support Professionals.

Job Functions

• Assist students off the bus and into their first class of the day as needed.
• Assist students with clothing when needed, clearing locker and escort students to the afternoon or transportation.
• Accompany special education students on bus routes as required in the student’s IEP. As assigned, ride the bus and supervise students as they enter and leave the bus, monitor for behavioral or physical needs to ensure student safety.
• Assist students with self-care activities including but not limited to toileting, dressing, eating as required by Case Manager.
• Assist students to be safe and socially appropriate on the playground or recess activities.
• Monitor student behavior and intervene as needed to address challenges or disruptions in the classroom.
• Follow case manager or special education teacher directions in modifying or accommodating student assignments.
• Work within the special education program such as SUN or EBD to assist students with teacher assigned tasks. Modify or accommodate as directed by the special education teacher
• Regularly monitor student progress using data collection techniques developed by case manager or special education teacher.
• Assist in administering assessments and documenting student progress towards academic and behavioral goals.
• Follow Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Positive Behavior Intervention Support Plan (PBISP) as directed by case manager.
• Perform accurate and timely reporting of services and progress for student’s IEP, Third Party Billing records, report cards, progress notes and/or conferences as directed by case manager.
• Participate in all required trainings as requested.
• Adhere to staff and program guidelines and district procedures and policies.
• Communicate regularly with special education teachers, classroom teachers, and other team members to exchange information and coordinate support strategies.
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, staff, families and community members.
• Demonstrate prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates Degree or equivalent, or 2 years post secondary and at least 60 hours of completed credits, or Paraprofessional Credential through Minnesota Department of Education (such as passing score on ParaPro or ParaEducator Assessments or credentialed on the PELSB rubric)
• Ability to positively work with children with disabilities
• Ability to work with behaviorally challenging students including those who may be physically and verbally aggressive
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work as a team member with staff and parents
• Ability to understand and follow data privacy rules and regulations related to students
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including the use of email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word

Physical Requirements
Constantly required to move and interact with students including standing, walking, sitting, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling and reaching with hands and arms. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, lift, use hands for fingering, grasping and feeling, wrists, hands and/or fingers for repetitive motions or computer use. The employee must frequently lift, move and/or carry up to 30 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to and over 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.