Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program
About The Position
Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, provides specialized, intensive, individualized support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN), including students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and possible physical, health, or medical impairments. As a member of the special education team, supports functional, academic, and life skills instruction; assists with personal care and medical needs; and promotes student safety, engagement, and independence in a structured, supportive learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among community members and school clientele. The position is at Sierra Middle School, scheduled for 37.5 hours per week and approximately 180 work days per year (0.94 FTE). The role uses general classroom and office equipment and is performed in a typical classroom environment with typical noise levels that is mostly clean and comfortable.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for implementing IEPs, health plans, and behavior protocols with high fidelity.
- Strong commitment to student dignity and safety and to promoting the maximum level of independence for all students.
- Willingness and ability to assist students with personal care, toileting, and mobility, including lifting and transferring with appropriate training and assistance.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs.
Responsibilities
- Support implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academics, functional skills, communication, social skills, and vocational training.
- Support students with Significant Support Needs across settings, including general education environments, by ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies.
- Assist students with daily living and functional skills, including dressing, feeding (including G-tube feeding as trained and delegated), toileting and diapering, and personal hygiene.
- Help students use communication methods such as sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
- Assist with student positioning, transfers, and mobility using specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, and standers.
- Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, which may include seizure monitoring, administration of emergency medication, or basic first aid, following training and protocols.
- Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment and materials used for personal care and instruction.
- Closely supervise students during transitions, outdoor activities, and mealtimes to ensure safety and prevent injury.
- Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- District-paid and voluntary supplemental life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Voluntary critical illness and accident insurance
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Voluntary 401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plan options
- Paid sick time
- Paid personal time
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
