Educational Assistant, Special Education (Significant Needs )

Eugene School District 4J•Eugene, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a part-time position (7 hours/day, 0.875 FTE) working on a 196-day school year schedule, Monday through Friday. The primary purpose of this role is to provide support to individual students, groups of students, or student-focused programs that require a high level of specialized support, modifications, intensive interventions, and accommodations to engage in the learning environment. Incumbents will support the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and individual behavior programs. The position may assist licensed teachers, specialists, and other service providers in planning, implementing, and supporting educational and behavioral management programs. Responsibilities may include monitoring student progress and mastery of social, behavioral, and academic skills through data collection, assessments, and evaluations. This role is distinguished by its focus on adapting instruction and support for students with significant disabilities, addressing their behavioral and physical needs.

Requirements

Meet Highly Qualified status as defined by the state of Oregon, ORS 581-037-0006.
Documentation for Highly Qualified status: Official or Unofficial transcripts showing 2 years of post-secondary study (72 credit hours or 48 semester credits), OR an associate's or higher degree, OR meeting a rigorous standard of testing through a formal state or local academic assessment demonstrating knowledge of instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
Two years of experience working in or directly supporting students in an educational setting.
Ability to comprehend and closely follow written and verbal directions.
Ability to self-regulate and respond with a positive demeanor, demonstrating patience, flexibility, and a team-oriented attitude.
Ability to listen and respond appropriately when engaged with others.
Ability to interpret and apply broad policies and procedures.
Ability to consistently make sound decisions supporting classroom operations and student well-being.
Ability to effectively work with students and staff in dynamic and high-stress environments.
Ability to problem-solve using effective verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge and understanding of how to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Willingness to adhere to all district, state, and federal policies.
Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with the teacher and administration regarding practices and student wellness.
Ability to effectively interpret, track, and manage daily data for progress monitoring and behavioral data collection.
Knowledge and understanding of strategies to differentiate practices based on circumstances and student needs.
Knowledge of word processing, Google Drive, and spreadsheets.
Ability to access, enter, and retrieve data from computers and databases.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, techniques, and office management skills.
Ability to utilize correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and basic math skills for data compilation and report completion.
Maintain an environment that honors student diversity and promotes inclusion and equity.
Must successfully complete Oregon Department of Education background check.
Must successfully pass pre-employment physical capacities exam.
Must earn a District-approved Oregon behavioral intervention training certificate, without restrictions, within 6 months of employment and maintain it thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Special Education or closely related field preferred.
Bilingual proficiency and/or multicultural experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and collaborate with teachers, supervisors, and other colleagues to plan, develop, adapt, and implement daily instructional lessons and learning goals.
Support specialist-identified therapies, routines, and activities, including delegated health care needs as defined by IEPs and/or medical or behavior support plans.
Provide daily on-time physical support for students with mobility issues, including wheelchair users.
Safely assist students with transportation to and from buses or other modes of transport during daily transitions.
Assist with wheelchair transfers and the use of specialized equipment like standers, under the direction of specialists and teachers.
Provide feeding support according to established feeding protocols, as directed by a feeding team or specialist.
Assist in student transportation when needed, particularly for students requiring 1:1 medical or behavioral support.
Successfully complete and maintain state-mandated training for medical and behavioral supports (e.g., Safety Care, Behavior Support Plans, CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration).
Attend annual professional development and complete assigned mandatory annual training.
Interpret and implement Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs), and other specialized protocols, health plans, or supports.
Support the implementation of individualized communication plans, including the use of augmentative & adaptive communication devices (AAC), under the direction of certified teachers and specialists.
Work with students experiencing trauma, emotional, mental health, and associated behavioral needs.
Supervise and support students in various activities and areas, including resource centers, playgrounds, cafeterias, bus/car loading zones, field trips, and hallways.
Assist with toileting students who are incontinent or require assistance with catheterization.
Support physical transfers and provide other personal care needs, including diapering, as necessary.
Administer medications within the scope of District policies and state/federal laws, including diabetes management and insulin administration.
Assist students with personal hygiene tasks such as brushing teeth, washing hands, and combing hair.
Assist with and support the adaptation of physical education programs based on student abilities.
Supervise students in preparation for physical education and monitor activities to ensure safety and manage behavior.
Perform clerical tasks in support of the educational process and provide instructional assistance to teachers using standardized lessons or content prepared by the teacher or assistant (under supervision).
Provide assistance and support for team members and projects as needed.
Maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, students, school personnel, and community members.
Maintain regular, prompt, and predictable attendance.
Perform other duties as assigned.