Job Description
Overview of Position
The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings as requested.
Special Education Assistant Substitute job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc.
Essential Functions
• Adapts, under the direction of the teacher. classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers a variety of materials and assignments (e.g. tests, homework, grades papers, folders, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and/or organizing the individual needs of the student.
• Administers first aid and medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured children.
• Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment.
• Directs and Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs, protecting the safety of the child and others, and providing a consistent environment.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in school.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, checking papers, attendance, set up adapted projects, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and positive learning environment.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
• Must be willing to substitute at schools throughout the District and in all types of classrooms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to building Principal or assigned Special Education Supervisor.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
ABILITY is required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Ability to key-board; learn to use personal computers. May require the ability to do basic signing.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the Organization's services.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting – up to 60 to 90 pounds or more, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students; support structured learning and behavior shaping activities. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION:
High school diploma or equivalent.
YEARS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
None Specified
REQUIRED TESTING:
None Specified
CERTIFICATES & LICENSES:
Valid State of Washington Driver's License
CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Secure Training
CPR/First Aid
CLEARANCES:
Criminal Justice Fingerprint
Background Clearance
Supplemental Information
If you would like to be considered for this position you must provide ALL of the following documents when submitting your application. If your application does not include the documents listed below it will not be processed and you will not be considered for the position.
Required documents must be included with your application when you apply:
• Resume
• Proof of Completed High School Education or Higher - Copy of your High School or College transcript, diploma or GED must be attached.
• References: Two (2) Professional references most be provided at the time you apply. One of the references most be your most recent supervisor. Please provide name and accurate email address. Your reference will automatically be contacted once you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until all references have been received by SPS.
• If you are a former or current SPS employee one of the references must be your last or current SPS supervisor.
• NOTE SPS will not be able to confirm if your references have been completed and received. It is your responsibility to confirm with your references that they have completed the reference and returned to SPS.
Applications are processed on a as needed basis. After submitting the online application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to the address that you specify when you fill out the application. This e-mail confirmation is sent to let you know that we have received your application. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL. The e-mail address is automatically generated by the database and does not go to anyone. If you have received the confirmation e-mail, please be assured that we have received your application and will be reviewing it shortly. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to respond to individual inquiries. If your application is selected to move forward you will be notified by Human Resources via your email address.
The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings as requested.
Special Education Assistant Substitute job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc.
Essential Functions
• Adapts, under the direction of the teacher. classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers a variety of materials and assignments (e.g. tests, homework, grades papers, folders, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and/or organizing the individual needs of the student.
• Administers first aid and medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured children.
• Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment.
• Directs and Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs, protecting the safety of the child and others, and providing a consistent environment.
• Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in school.
• Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, checking papers, attendance, set up adapted projects, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and positive learning environment.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
• Must be willing to substitute at schools throughout the District and in all types of classrooms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to building Principal or assigned Special Education Supervisor.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
ABILITY is required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions. Ability to key-board; learn to use personal computers. May require the ability to do basic signing.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the Organization's services.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting – up to 60 to 90 pounds or more, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students; support structured learning and behavior shaping activities. Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION:
High school diploma or equivalent.
YEARS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
None Specified
REQUIRED TESTING:
None Specified
CERTIFICATES & LICENSES:
Valid State of Washington Driver's License
CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Secure Training
CPR/First Aid
CLEARANCES:
Criminal Justice Fingerprint
Background Clearance
Supplemental Information
If you would like to be considered for this position you must provide ALL of the following documents when submitting your application. If your application does not include the documents listed below it will not be processed and you will not be considered for the position.
Required documents must be included with your application when you apply:
• Resume
• Proof of Completed High School Education or Higher - Copy of your High School or College transcript, diploma or GED must be attached.
• References: Two (2) Professional references most be provided at the time you apply. One of the references most be your most recent supervisor. Please provide name and accurate email address. Your reference will automatically be contacted once you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until all references have been received by SPS.
• If you are a former or current SPS employee one of the references must be your last or current SPS supervisor.
• NOTE SPS will not be able to confirm if your references have been completed and received. It is your responsibility to confirm with your references that they have completed the reference and returned to SPS.
Applications are processed on a as needed basis. After submitting the online application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to the address that you specify when you fill out the application. This e-mail confirmation is sent to let you know that we have received your application. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL. The e-mail address is automatically generated by the database and does not go to anyone. If you have received the confirmation e-mail, please be assured that we have received your application and will be reviewing it shortly. Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to respond to individual inquiries. If your application is selected to move forward you will be notified by Human Resources via your email address.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Paraprofessional Substitute for School Year 2025-2026 position is now open for candidates interested in the Teacher Jobs sector. This role in Seattle offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Teacher Jobs is a plus.