Arbor Heights Elementary - Special Education Assistant (Focus) - 1.0 FTE

Seattle Public Schools•Arbor Heights Elementary, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is assigned to the Focus service pathway. The Special Education Assistant assists with the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs in regular or self-contained classrooms. The role supports implementation of instructional plans, monitors student behavior during non-classroom time, provides information to appropriate school personnel, and attends IEP meetings. Duties vary according to school and program needs, such as generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, or autism programs. Under teacher direction, the assistant adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials; helps evaluate student progress and organize individual student needs; provides first aid and medical assistance; and assists students with personal care needs related to medical conditions or physical limitations. The position works with teachers and families to monitor and communicate student progress, implements behavioral plans, and instructs students individually and in groups in academic, social, and daily living skills. The assistant maintains instructional materials and student records and monitors students across school settings to support safety and a positive learning environment. The role works under direct supervision using standardized procedures, may guide or coordinate others, and operates within a defined budget. It requires flexibility, teamwork, confidentiality, communication with diverse groups, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and frequent interruptions. The usual work environment is generally clean and healthy.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one of the following: a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment as published by PESB; an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher from an accredited college or university; or completion of a paraeducator apprenticeship registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.
Valid Washington State Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Secure Training, CPR, and First Aid.
Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance.
Knowledge of basic math, reading manuals, writing in prescribed formats, presenting information, and understanding complex multi-step written and oral instructions.
Knowledge of instructional procedures and practices, age-appropriate student activities, safety practices and procedures, conflict resolution, and stages of child development and behavior.
Ability to adhere to safety practices; operate standard office equipment and pertinent software; and prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to gather or collate data and use job-related equipment; adapt to changing priorities; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; and work with constant interruptions.
Ability to keyboard and learn to use personal computers; basic signing may be required.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including occasional lifting up to 50 pounds; carrying, pushing, or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to support student participation.
Administer materials and assignments to assist teachers in evaluating student progress and organizing student needs.
Provide first aid and medical assistance as required.
Assist students with personal care needs related to medical conditions or physical limitations.
Attend meetings and in-service presentations, including training on first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures.
Confer regularly with special education and mainstream teachers about student progress and implementation of IEP objectives.
Communicate with teachers and parents about student progress as established in the student's individual educational program.
Direct and implement behavioral plans to address student needs and support safety and consistency.
Instruct students individually and in groups in academic subjects, social skills, and daily living skills in support of educational program goals.
Maintain instructional materials and student files or records.
Monitor students in school environments such as restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, and parking lots.
Perform other related duties as assigned.