Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program
About The Position
Provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Affective Needs (AN) who exhibit complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. As a critical member of the special education team, the Educational Assistant primarily implements crisis intervention strategies, facilitates emotional regulation, and fosters a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. The role also develops and promotes good community relations among community members and school clientele. The position supports implementation of students’ IEP goals and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, helps students access curriculum and build social-emotional and coping skills, and collaborates with teachers and school mental health professionals. It is based at Plum Creek Academy, is a regular position scheduled for 37.5 hours per week and approximately 180 work days per year, and is listed at 0.94 FTE.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- American Heart Association First Aid and CPR certification.
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm, objective, and effective during student crises or high-stress behavioral situations.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills, with an emphasis on therapeutic and non-judgmental communication.
- Willingness and ability to complete required crisis-management training and maintain physical certification.
Responsibilities
- Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
- Implement student-specific crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity, following established protocols such as Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI).
- Provide calm, consistent support to students during emotional distress or behavioral crises and help them return to regulation.
- Assist students in developing and using social-emotional learning and coping skills, including appropriate use of sensory or safe rooms and other designated therapeutic spaces.
- Implement student-specific Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, emphasizing proactive strategies and teaching replacement behaviors.
- Collect and maintain daily data on student behavior and emotional progress as required by the IEP team.
- Maintain situational awareness and proactively identify and address escalating behaviors in the classroom and throughout the school.
- Collaborate with the Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Counselor, Social Worker, and other mental health professionals to provide unified student support.
- Ensure students’ immediate safety and well-being and respond effectively to safety and crisis concerns.
- Respect confidentiality regarding student needs and abilities.
- Assist the Special Education Teacher in implementing IEP goals related to students’ social, emotional, and academic development.
- Support students in accessing the curriculum, completing assignments, and managing school demands, including work modified or accommodated under the IEP.
- Facilitate restorative practices and social skills groups as directed by the teacher or school mental health professionals.
- Support students’ transition and integration into general education through scaffolding and emotional support.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- District-paid and voluntary supplemental life insurance
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Critical illness and accident voluntary insurance
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Voluntary 401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plan options
- Paid sick time
- Paid personal time
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
