Marion Independent School District
Job Title: Special Education Associate
Reports to: Building Principal
Date Revised: July 2019
Basic Function: Provides support for individual or small groups of students with instructional, physical, or behavior needs that require additional adult assistance. Supports the licensed instructional or support staff in the provision of special education support and services. Under the direction of licensed staff, assists to provide instructional, social-emotional, and behavioral programming which has been designed to meet each individual’s unique educational needs.
Essential Functions:
Under the direction, and in conjunction with licensed staff members:
Assists to provide academic, behavior management, crisis intervention and/or other educational service support in structured individual or group settings.
Assists to provide individual and/or group instruction under the direction of the certified teacher.
Collaborates with the team in planning and implementing educational, social-emotional, and behavioral interventions for individuals and groups of students.
Provides support and assists with supervision of students in various settings.
Supervise students in the lunchroom, restrooms, halls, playground and other areas as directed.
Monitor classes during teacher absences of short duration.
Assist in preparation, implementation, and adaptation of instructional materials as directed by teacher.
Completes clerical duties related to educational programming, instruction and/or classroom management including, but not limited to, materials preparation, communications, and recordkeeping related to student attendance, performance, behavioral incidents, etc.
Assist in field trips as directed by the teacher.
Additional Responsibilities and Skills:
Demonstrate patience with and care for students; utilizing firmness, friendliness and fairness.
Maintain confidentiality.
Participate in projects, committees, or activities to support the mission of the program, building, or district.
Convey a positive and professional image to students, families, and colleagues.
Communicate effectively and maintain effective, professional, and collaborative working relationships.
Maintain flexibility in responding to the changing needs of students and the district. Demonstrate an ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks at a given time.
Use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work which includes, but is not limited to, application of basic computer skills to effectively use email, internet, and word processing.
Know emergency procedures for the building and classrooms within which you work.
Report incidents of unusual nature to teachers and principal.
Participate in staff development and professional growth activities provided by the district.
Serve as a member of the building crisis response team as requested.
Follow district policies.
Specifications/Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
HS diploma or equivalent, previous experience working in a school setting preferred
Background Check
On-the-job training provided as a benefit of employment:
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training
OSHA required certificate
Para-Educator Certification- 1 course/year for 3 years paid by District- pay increase with Para-Educator Certificate
Trauma-informed care and similar district-led sessions regarding social-emotional learning
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear. The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk more than the average person while performing the duties of this job. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as tables and carts. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while supervising students and working with computers, written materials, reports, assessment data, etc.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is can vary based on activities taking place. The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that may require the employee to extend beyond a typical eight hour workday. The employee will frequently work in different areas of the classroom including in/at desks, on or near the floor, standing, in movement while supervising indoor and outdoor activities, etc. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but will work outdoors when supervising students outside of the classroom.
The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.