Kimball Elementary - Special Education Assistant (Distinct) - 1.0 FTE

Seattle Public Schools•Kimball Elementary, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant supports students in the Distinct service pathway by assisting with supervision, care, and instruction in regular or self-contained classrooms. Under teacher direction, the assistant adapts classroom materials and activities, helps implement instructional plans and IEP objectives, monitors student behavior and safety, communicates student progress to school personnel and families, and attends IEP meetings. Duties vary by school and program needs and may involve supporting students with behavioral disorders, autism, hearing impairments, or severe and profound needs. The role may include providing first aid and medical assistance, helping students with personal care related to medical conditions or physical limitations, and supporting medically fragile children. Personal care may include toileting, diaper changes, tube feeding, or assisting menstruating students. The position also supports structured learning and behavior-shaping activities and maintains instructional materials and student records. The job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. Typical activity is approximately 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. The position requires working under direct supervision, following standardized procedures, collaborating with others, and using job-related equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one paraeducator qualification: 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 State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance.
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 perform basic math; read manuals; write documents in prescribed formats; present information; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
Skills in adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment and pertinent software, and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Ability to adapt to changing work priorities, communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, work as part of a team, and manage constant interruptions.
Ability to gather or collate data, use job-related equipment, and keyboard and learn to use personal computers.
Ability to support students with personal care needs and perform the physical demands of the job, including lifting up to 50 pounds on rare occasions, 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.
Basic signing ability may be required.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction so students with special needs can participate.
Administer instructional materials and assignments to help teachers evaluate student progress and organize individual 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.
Consult regularly with special education and mainstream teachers about student progress and implementation of IEP objectives.
Communicate with teachers and parents about student progress in accordance with the student's IEP.
Direct and implement behavioral plans to meet student needs and support safety and a consistent environment.
Instruct students individually and in groups in academic subjects, social skills, and daily living skills to reinforce instructional objectives and IEP goals.
Maintain instructional materials and student files and records.
Monitor students in assigned school environments, including restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, and parking lots.
Perform other related duties as assigned.