Special Education Assistant

Los Angeles Unified School District

18d • $27 - $33

About The Position

We are LAUSD. We are at the forefront of innovation in public education, focused on a clear and inspiring vision of the future for all of our students as they venture forward on their journey as lifelong learners. Here, you will have the opportunity to exercise your potential in a role supporting the business of education. Our work directly contributes toward the goal of ensuring that our students graduate ready for the world – ready to thrive in college, career, and life. LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation, with an enrollment of nearly 575,000 students. We serve an area totaling 710 square miles, with over 1,190 schools and educational centers, and we employ over 74,000 individuals, making us one of the largest employers in our city.

The LAUSD Division of Special Education is currently hiring Special Education Assistants. The list of eligible candidates that results from this recruitment will be utilized to fill current and future vacancies throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District. Special Education ensures that the unique needs of students with disabilities are met through additional services, support programs, specialized placements, or environments. Special Education services are provided to eligible students at no cost to families. The core purpose of Special Education is to provide specially designed instruction and intervention, as well as to give students with disabilities access to the same educational programs and/or activities as their non-disabled peers.

A Special Education Assistant assists teachers by caring for the physical needs of students with disabilities and helping in their training and education through the presentation of educational materials or exercises.

Requirements

• Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND one of the following: Completion of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units from a recognized college or university
• Possession of an associate or higher degree from a recognized college or university
• A passing score on the District Proficiency (DP) Test AND the Instructional Assistance (IA) Test
• Special Education Assistant require the above AND in addition, one of the following: Twelve college semester units or 18 quarter units in courses directly related to the instruction, physical care, or well-being of children with disabilities. Such courses are most likely to be offered in the following areas: special education, child development, psychology, health, and education. Successful completion of a course in language signing or Braille offered by the District or a recognized college or university may be substituted for three of the twelve required semester units.
• 600 hours as an LAUSD Special Education Trainee.
• One year of verifiable experience providing physical or instructional assistance to disabled individuals in a school, pre-school, hospital, or other education program.
• A Los Angeles Unified School District Food Handler's Certificate must be obtained upon appointment and renewed annually.
• A First-Aid Certificate issued by a recognized First Aid training program must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and must be kept valid during the term of employment.
• Ability to communicate in a language in addition to English may be required for some positions.
• A valid driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle, or the ability to utilize and alternative method of transportation may be required for some positions.
• A CPR Certificate issued by a recognized CPR training program must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and kept valid during the term of employment.
• Sufficient strength to safely lift and carry objects or assist in lifting students of varying weights.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate for the Special Education Assistant position will be a compassionate, patient, and reliable individual with a strong understanding of the physical and emotional needs of children at various developmental stages.
• They will possess knowledge of the general nature and causes of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, as well as first aid techniques and the safe use of specialized equipment such as wheelchairs and braces.
• This individual will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English using appropriate vocabulary, establish rapport and gain the confidence of students, and build positive relationships through empathy and respect.
• The ideal candidate will remain calm and act appropriately in emergencies, follow directions with accuracy, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• They will also be prepared to assist students with essential daily living needs, including feeding and toileting, always maintaining dignity and care for the students they support.

Responsibilities

• Performing a variety of activities pertinent to training, physical care, disciplining, and tutoring in order to inculcate habits, knowledge, and skills in students with disabilities.
• Assisting teachers in implementing lessons or portions of lessons to a student or a group of students, checking accuracy of work, and presenting additional assignments as directed by a teacher.
• Helping students to use books, classroom materials, and equipment.
• Adjusting or rephrasing portions of text and classroom instructions.
• Keeping routine records related to recording attendance, grades, test scores, and lunch money.
• Assisting teachers with the use of electronic equipment and presentation of materials and methods to reinforce lessons to students.
• Assisting teachers in directing activities for assigned groups of students.
• Lifting students in and out of holding or locomotive devices and on and off buses when trained by appropriate staff.
• Assisting students with all aspects of toileting, which may include diapering and lifting on and off the toilet, changing tables, and mats when trained by appropriate staff.
• Assisting students with the use of mobility equipment, such as leg braces, walkers, mobile standers, and tricycles when trained by appropriate staff.
• Assisting teachers in working with students who may be demonstrating such behaviors as hitting, biting, scratching, and running, and working as a member of a team to implement the behavior support plan and/or crisis plan when trained by appropriate staff.

Benefits

• Insurance: Paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Vacation: Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation to start. Three weeks after five years of year-round paid service.
• Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED