Special Education Assistant

Los Angeles Unified School District

10h • $27 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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. A passing score on the CBEST may substitute for the District Proficiency Test.
• Twelve college semester units or 18 quarter units in courses directly related to the instruction, physical care, or well-being of children with disabilities (e.g., special education, child development, psychology, health, and education). Successful completion of a course in language signing or Braille 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Compassionate, patient, and reliable individual with a strong understanding of the physical and emotional needs of children at various developmental stages.
• Knowledge of the general nature and causes of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
• Knowledge of first aid techniques and the safe use of specialized equipment such as wheelchairs and braces.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English using appropriate vocabulary.
• Ability to establish rapport and gain the confidence of students.
• Ability to build positive relationships through empathy and respect.
• Ability to remain calm and act appropriately in emergencies.
• Ability to follow directions with accuracy.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Preparedness to assist students with essential daily living needs, including feeding and toileting, always maintaining dignity and care for the students they support.
• 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 an alternative method of transportation may be required for some positions.

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

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

What This Job Offers

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