Specialized Assistant: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Job description

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment. In pursuit of this mission, we are hiring a Specialized Assistant. This individual will help ensure the safety and success of students in the building that they are assigned to, which are often students with disabilities. Specialized Assistants build relationships with students they work with, support teachers in ensuring that students are engaged and supported during lessons, and interact with parents and families. They are a crucial component of a student's support structure at school. Often, Specialized Assistants support students with special education needs and disabilities. This role will support a student with ASD 1:1 at Everett. ### Minimum Qualifications - Must have one of the following: - Associate's Degree - 60 completed college credits - Proof of passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam ### Preferred Qualifications - Previous experience working with students in small group and RTI settings - Understanding of how to read and understand a student's IEP - Desire to become a certified teacher long term ### Job Responsibilities - Demonstrate passion for working with students, especially in one on one and small group situations, and especially students with special education needs - Effectively prioritize tasks as assigned by teachers and school leaders - Ensure safety of students on caseload - Learn and grow by incorporating feedback from school leaders, colleagues, students, and professional development sessions - Build relationships with students and parents to ensure a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment - Other duties as assigned to best support the Lansing School District mission ### Work Environment & 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 position. - Must be able to stand, walk, and move quickly between indoor and outdoor settings for extended periods. - Regularly required to bend, kneel, crouch, and assist with physical transfers or interventions involving students. - Must be able to lift, push, or carry up to 50 pounds as needed. - Frequent verbal communication is required to support students, coordinate with staff, and manage emergent situations. - Occasional use of computers, radios, and other communication or documentation tools. - May be exposed to noise, weather conditions, and other elements associated with a school environment. - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.