Special Education Assistant Float (Elementary) - Part-Time

West Allis-West Milwaukee School District • West Allis, WI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant provides direct support to students with disabilities across elementary school settings under the direction and supervision of licensed professional staff and classroom teachers. The role supports students’ academic progress, personal care, independence, safety, and participation in the school community. Support may be individual or small-group and may include classroom instruction, teacher-directed strategies, activities of daily living, mobility assistance, and other student-specific needs.

This is a part-time position of generally 20–30 hours per week during the 10-month school year. Flexible schedules are available: full-day schedules of two to three eight-hour days per week, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or half-day mornings or afternoons for up to five days per week. Elementary school placement is based on employee availability and building needs. Assignments may vary, and flexibility to support different students, classrooms, and buildings may be necessary. The role is non-exempt.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of two years of post-secondary education (48 credits), an associate’s degree, or satisfaction of Title I Paraprofessional Highly Qualified requirements through an approved alternative pathway, as applicable to the assignment.
• Possession of or eligibility for a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)-issued Special Education Educational Assistant license, as required for the assignment.
• Ability to work effectively with students with a wide range of physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive needs.
• Patience, empathy, flexibility, and professionalism when supporting students with diverse learning and personal care needs.
• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately in challenging or unexpected situations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with students, teachers, related service providers, and other staff.
• Ability to follow directions, implement teacher-developed plans, and work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to maintain student confidentiality and follow district policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Ability to support student independence while respecting individual needs, privacy, and dignity.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including adapting to changing student and building needs.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate while maintaining communication with supervising staff.
• Willingness to learn and use specialized equipment, student support strategies, and required safety procedures.
• Ability to lift and move up to 60 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities, children, or students with diverse support needs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students with disabilities under the direction of licensed professional staff and classroom teachers.
• Assist with classroom activities, individual and small-group instruction, academic tasks, and teacher-developed educational plans.
• Support students with physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive needs in varied educational settings.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including dressing, eating, personal hygiene, toileting, and other personal care, while preserving student dignity, privacy, and independence.
• Provide physical assistance with positioning, mobility, transfers, and other student care needs as appropriate.
• Operate specialized equipment, such as wheelchair lifts, standing frames, Hoyer lifts, and adaptive or mobility equipment, following training and safety procedures.
• Support students with mobility needs as they access classrooms, school facilities, transportation, and community-based learning environments.
• Assist students with safely entering and exiting school transportation when needed.
• Implement teacher-directed strategies and student support plans, including IEPs, behavior intervention plans, health care plans, and safety plans.
• Assist with specialized student needs, including therapeutic activities and specialized feedings, as directed by licensed professionals and consistent with training.
• Supervise and support student participation in classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, arrival and dismissal, field trips, and community outings.
• Assist teachers and related service providers with activities and strategies that promote learning, development, independence, and inclusion.
• Provide support during student assessments and testing as directed.
• Monitor and respond appropriately to student behaviors and needs, maintaining a calm, patient, and professional approach during challenging situations.
• Communicate and collaborate with teachers, related service providers, school staff, and administrators while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning environment, including cleaning equipment and supplies as needed.
• Attend meetings and participate in required training and professional development.
• Support the School District of West Allis-West Milwaukee’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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