Special Education Aide

Grafton•Cold Spring, MN

About The Position

Special Education Aide Lead with Purpose — and Make Every Home a Place of Growth and Care At Grafton Integrated Health Network, we’re guided by a shared purpose: helping individuals with complex needs live meaningful, fulfilling lives. As a Special Education Aide, your meaningful impact comes through supporting students in their educational and developmental journey by providing compassionate, individualized assistance in both classroom and residential settings. You’ll work closely with teachers, clinicians, and support staff to implement educational plans, reinforce learning objectives, and promote positive behaviors. Through patience, consistency, and collaboration, you’ll help create a structured, supportive environment that fosters growth, independence, and confidence. And because we care for you so you can care for others, we provide the tools, resources, and professional development opportunities that support your growth while enabling you to make a lasting difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. Join us - and experience the deep fulfillment of knowing your work truly makes a difference! Be part of a team that leads with heart and grit, the Grafton way—where leadership, compassion, and dedication come together to change lives. Under general supervision, Special Education Aides in our Education program, participate in the direct care and plan implementation for clients, as prescribed by physician and treatment teams. They assist the Academic Teacher in implementing instructional and therapeutic activities. They may assist with executing lesson plans and preparing instructional materials to support instruction. They assist the Academic Teacher with assessing progress (analysis of data) and modifying teaching techniques to promote the achievement of each assigned client’s established goals. They w ork with clients in residences during academic breaks and holidays. They provide supervision, safety and crisis management for the client population; complete documentation of client behavior and participation in programming; adhere to the scheduled activities; role model positive, mature behavior; utilize proactive behavioral strategies to minimize client crisis and maximize success. They report to a teacher or program supervisor/ manager.

Requirements

At least two years of college credits in any discipline/degree field (usually 60 credits if earned in Minnesota) through an accredited institution of higher education;
An associate’s degree or higher in any discipline/degree field;
Three or more years supporting students with disabilities in Minnesota schools or other states with similar competency areas
A passing score on an approved, formal assessment (see below) demonstrating the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading/language arts, writing, mathematics or readiness for each.
Must be 21 years of age
Must demonstrate proficiency in the English language
Must pass criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Demonstrates moderate computer skills – how to log-in, how to navigate the Web for information, how to start and save a document in Microsoft WORD, and has basic keyboarding skills.

Responsibilities

Provides for the well-being and safety of clients.
Supports client health and hygiene.
Utilizes infection control procedures.
Reports serious incidents, participates in reviews and implements follow-up measures, as applicable.
Knows the SNAP (strengths, needs, abilities and preferences), goals/objectives/outcomes and treatment strategies from the current Plans (Treatment Plan, IEP, ISP) of assigned clients.
Promotes clients’ achievement of behavioral goals by implementing the behavior strategies and teaching alternative behaviors, as indicated in the Treatment Plan/IEP/ISP.
Actively instructs assigned clients so they can achieve education/residential goals and objectives or ID Waiver outcomes.
Collects and documents behavioral and instructional data, accurately and reliably.
Documents services delivered accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintains a high level of engagement with and monitoring of clients.
Implements planned activities throughout the workday.
Builds trusting, respectful relationships with clients and helps clients do the same.
Demonstrates knowledge about the symptoms and supports associated with diagnoses of assigned clients and a trauma-informed care approach.
Manages behavioral crisis safely.
Collaborates with the Treatment Team to provide continuity of support and care, by communicating and contributing to team discussions and decisions.
Exhibits exemplary customer service with guardians, agency personnel and visitors.
Ensures a safe residence / classroom environment.
Assures a clean and organized residence/classroom.
Promotes good nutrition and, in group homes, assists with meal preparation.
Provides transportation / community mobility.
Assists with purchases and is accountable for program and client money, as applicable.
Demonstrates knowledge of organization
Demonstrates the core values of personal integrity and accountability.
Performs other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision
Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
Generous Paid Time Off plan & attendance incentives
Employer Paid Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Short-term disability (STD)
Long-term disability (LTD)
Paid Career Development - we pay you while becoming certified in CPR, Ukeru , Mandt and other career training!
401(k), including an employer match up to $2,500 annually
Education Assistance up to $5,250 annually
As Grafton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness