About this role
Job Title: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATE Starting pay: $16.25/hour Reports to: Building Principal and Special Education Director Frequently must accept direction from the Lead teacher. Status:Hourly FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date Revised: June, 2026 BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a certified staff member, may assist students by helping individuals or small groups of students with academic support implementing instruction, reinforcing learning skills, reinforcing school-wide discipline procedures, movement to & from classes, bus, etc., and personal health & hygiene. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Assist teachers with educational activities, including: • Assists in preparing materials for instruction by setting up and using computers, and audiovisual equipment and materials. • Assists in organizing and utilizing reference and source materials • assessing student work. • Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans. • Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures. • Supervise students in the lunchroom, recess, classrooms, halls, bus loading/unloading, and in those areas as requested. • Makes quick, responsible decisions regarding student welfare and safety, including counseling students regarding conduct and self-discipline. • Assist students with work completion. • Completes Medicaid documentation as required. • Reports incidents of unusual nature to teachers and principal. • Maintains confidentiality of student information • Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed. • Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed. • Attends in-service training and school meetings as appropriate. • Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
• High School Diploma or equivalent • Must be 18 years of age • Experience working with school age children in the education setting preferred. • Knowledge or the ability to be trained to meet the responsibilities of the job. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, or CERTIFICATIONS:
• Para-educator certification preferred TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES:
• Basic problem solving skills • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to operate typical office equipment, such as telephones, computers, copier, fax machines, e-mail, etc. • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. • Ability to engage students with special needs • Ability to learn information presented to student in classes such that they can support the student's participation in the curriculum presented. • Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changes without notice. • Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds. • Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations. • Ability to establish a positive relationship with students, staff and families. • Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to appropriate supervisor/administrator. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Works in standard office and school building environments. • Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Regularly required to use hands to manipulate or feel for objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. • Must be ability to move throughout the school and classroom which would involve standing, walking, kneeling, bending, etc. • Must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds • Must be capable of squatting up to 2 minutes at a time • Must be capable of bending over up to 3 minutes at a time