Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

Douglas County School District•Scranton, PA

7d•$20 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, the Educational Assistant 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, the role 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. The position also promotes good community relations among community members and school clientele. The assistant supports students across settings, including general education environments, helps implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, and provides assistance with communication, behavior strategies, health care procedures, mobility, and daily living skills. The role is based at Northeast Intermediate and is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week across 180 work days per year.

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, safety, and 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.
Ability to occasionally lift 40 to 70 pounds.
Ability to frequently bend, stand, sit, and walk; occasionally reach, kneel, squat, and stand; and run short distances.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs.

Responsibilities

Assist with student positioning, transfers, and mobility using specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, and standers.
Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, potentially including seizure monitoring, emergency medication administration, and basic first aid, following required 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.
Support implementation of IEP goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academic, functional, communication, social, and vocational skills.
Support students with SSN across settings, including general education environments, ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies.
Assist students with daily living and functional skills, including dressing, feeding, G-tube feeding when trained and delegated, toileting or diapering, and personal hygiene.
Help students use communication methods such as sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
Promote good community relations among community members and school clientele.