JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Assistant I position provides educational and classroom assistance under the guidance of teachers, principals, vice principals and other supervisors, and assists in carrying out instructional activities, promoting student safety and well-being, and reinforcing classroom programs. The position has specific responsibility for assisting with the supervision and instruction of students with special needs, observing and documenting student progress, implementing plans for instruction and assisting students with health needs. Duties are performed under risk of infection and injury and require work with students having learning, developmental and behavioral needs.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Consistently follows all applicable federal and state laws and all district policies, rules and supervisor directions.
• Observes ergonomics of sedentary office work including placement of computers and monitors, and sitting alignment.
• Observes proper lifting techniques and other strategies to avoid accidents and personal injury while performing job duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

• Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED is required. An Associate Degree or two years of study at a community college/university is preferred.
• Interpersonal Skills: Works well with others from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on solving conflict, maintaining confidentiality, listening to others, keeping emotions under control, remaining open to others’ ideas and contributing to building a positive team spirit. Demonstrates the ability to remain calm and professional in an environment with frequent interruptions. Interacts with staff and students appropriately.
• Language Skills: Ability to communicate English fluently both verbally and in writing, including proficiency in spelling and grammar. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, parents, staff, regulatory agencies, vendors and members of the community. Ability to read and interpret documents including governmental regulations, safety rules and operating and maintenance instructions/ instruction manuals. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence with high degrees of accuracy and professionalism.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to calculate rates, ratios, percentages and proportions. Ability to read and interpret various charts, bar graphs and similar visual data depictions.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to effectively use office computers and internet access for email, research, word processing, database manipulation, visual presentations and general web-based applications.
• Computer Skills: Ability to effectively use office computers and internet access for email, research, word processing and general Office 365 applications (Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint and Outlook Express).
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to exercise good judgment and work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: A valid First Aid Card is required. Must have or be able to obtain various certificates, licenses and/or registrations as required by federal, state or local law(s) and/or determined by the District including a valid Oregon Driver’s License.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The person selected for this position must be able to provide: proof of educational requirements, verify identity and employment authorization, complete a pre-employment record check and be approved by the State Department of Education after having a Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Verification completed.
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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties of this position include the following tasks. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned at any time.

• Confers with teachers, supervisor and other colleagues to plan day-to-day routines, programs, and special projects, student-specific delegated healthcare, and special projects for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing 504, behavior plan and IEP objectives.
• Performs program-related instructional, behavioral and other activities including helping students with individualized educational plans (IEP, behavior, safety, etc.) and other related activities.
• Undertakes delegated instructional tasks for individuals and small groups; assists with classroom assignments and monitoring student activities in the classroom and other locations.
• Performs instructional support tasks including preparing worksheets, organizing materials, creating and posting bulletin boards, collecting data and monitoring student progress.
• Implements classroom, small group and individual social and behavioral management interventions/systems.
• Manages personal student information according to federal and state laws and District policies, and maintains strict confidentiality.
• Helps maintain an orderly and attractive instructional area (i.e., prevents litter, puts up bulletin board displays, cleans blackboards, stores supplies, sets up study areas, etc.).
• Performs routine clerical work such as typing, photocopying, filing, record-keeping, and answering telephones.
• Responsible for assigned building and classroom supervision including field trips, playground, lunch, hall, and bus duty and on-bus supervision.
• Assists students with physical education and other recreational activities.
• With training, implements district and program-adopted crisis prevention/intervention strategies including the use of de-escalating procedures, physical interventions to avoid injuries and other safety protocols.
• Assists teachers and specialists in the testing and assessment of student skills. Records and maintains accurate test and developmental data on student performance.
• Provides student safety, self-care, health care, medical protocols, hygiene care, and mobility assistance services which may include lifting, feeding, and toileting/diapering.
• Maintains positive communication with school personnel, community agencies, and parents/guardians under the direction of teachers and specialists.
• Implements prescribed physical therapy/medical assistance and support duties as directed and delegated by a health care professional.
• Attends workshops and staff development classes to remain current on behavioral, medical and data collection procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all district policies and procedures.
• Consistent, daily and punctual attendance.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Non-essential duties of this position include the following tasks. Employees in this position perform some or all of these tasks. Other duties may be assigned at any time.

• Operates and troubleshoots various office equipment including telephones and photocopy machines.
• Moves classroom furniture and equipment.
• Attends in-service trainings, staff meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Reports issues to the principal and the appropriate authorities including safety, sanitary and fire hazards, vandalism, thefts and errant wildlife.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment.

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.

• Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED is required. An Associate Degree or two years of study at a community college/university is preferred.
• Interpersonal Skills: Works well with others from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on solving conflict, maintaining confidentiality, listening to others, keeping emotions under control, remaining open to others’ ideas and contributing to building a positive team spirit. Demonstrates the ability to remain calm and professional in an environment with frequent interruptions. Interacts with staff and students appropriately.
• Language Skills: Ability to communicate English fluently both verbally and in writing, including proficiency in spelling and grammar. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, parents, staff, regulatory agencies, vendors and members of the community. Ability to read and interpret documents including governmental regulations, safety rules and operating and maintenance instructions/ instruction manuals. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence with high degrees of accuracy and professionalism.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to calculate rates, ratios, percentages and proportions. Ability to read and interpret various charts, bar graphs and similar visual data depictions.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to effectively use office computers and internet access for email, research, word processing, database manipulation, visual presentations and general web-based applications.
• Computer Skills: Ability to effectively use office computers and internet access for email, research, word processing and general Office 365 applications (Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint and Outlook Express).
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to exercise good judgment and work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: A valid First Aid Card is required. Must have or be able to obtain various certificates, licenses and/or registrations as required by federal, state or local law(s) and/or determined by the District including a valid Oregon Driver’s License