26-27 SY Educational Assistant for Alternative Learning Program

BEGINNING DATE: 26-27 School Year

SALARY : G rade 14e step 1

APPLICATION:

IN-DISTRICT: Letter of interest through School Spring - Applicant Tracking.

OUT-OF-DISTRICT: Complete application through the School Spring - Applicant Tracking

APPLICATION DEADLINE: UNTIL FILLED

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must meet the qualifications established by the New Mexico Public Education Department for educational assistants, including applicable licensure requirements.

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Must meet applicable educational assistant qualification requirements, including an associate degree, qualifying college credit hours, or successful completion of an approved paraprofessional assessment, as applicable.

· Must possess or be eligible to obtain the appropriate New Mexico Educational Assistant license.

· Experience working with secondary students, students with behavioral challenges, or students with disabilities preferred.

· Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required or willingness to obtain certification within a timeframe established by the District.

· Ability to maintain a professional, supportive, and structured learning environment.

JOB SUMMARY

The Secure School Educational Assistant provides instructional, behavioral, supervisory, and general classroom support to secondary students assigned to the District's Secure School Program as a result of disciplinary infractions, alternative educational placements, or in lieu of expulsion.

The Educational Assistant works under the direction of assigned teachers and administrators to maintain a safe, structured, and supportive educational environment while assisting students in completing academic assignments, demonstrating appropriate behavior, and meeting established educational expectations.

The position may include providing additional instructional, behavioral, physical, or personal care support to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, medical management plans, and other applicable student support plans.

When students are not assigned to the Secure School Program, or when staffing needs otherwise warrant, the Educational Assistant may be assigned to another District school or educational program to perform comparable educational assistant duties, including general education or special education support, as directed by District administration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Instructional and Academic Support

1. Assists assigned teachers in providing instructional support to individual students and small groups.

2. Supports students in completing academic assignments provided by their regularly assigned teachers or through approved instructional programs.

3. Assists students with reading, mathematics, writing, and other academic subjects as directed by the supervising teacher.

4. Monitors student academic engagement, assignment completion, and participation in educational activities.

5. Assists teachers in preparing instructional materials, organizing assignments, and maintaining student academic records.

6. Provides assistance with computer-based instructional programs and educational technology.

7. Communicates student academic progress, participation, and concerns to assigned teachers and administrators.

8. Assists with the implementation of instructional accommodations and modifications as directed by appropriately licensed personnel.

B. Student Supervision, Behavior, and Safety

1. Provides direct supervision of students assigned to the Secure School Program throughout the instructional day.

2. Assists in maintaining a safe, orderly, structured, and respectful educational environment.

3. Monitors student behavior and reinforces established school rules, behavioral expectations, and individual student support plans.

4. Uses positive behavioral supports, redirection, de-escalation strategies, and other District approved interventions to assist students in maintaining appropriate behavior.

5. Reports student misconduct, safety concerns, threats, or significant behavioral incidents to the appropriate administrator in a timely manner.

6. Assists in documenting student behavior, attendance, academic participation, and other information required by the program.

7. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and positive working relationships with students.

8. Assists in supervising student transitions, arrival, departure, meals, and other assigned activities.

9. Participates in required safety training and follows District approved emergency response and crisis intervention procedures.

10. Assists in implementing behavioral expectations intended to support student accountability and successful participation in the educational setting.

C. Special Education and Individualized Student Support

The Secure School Educational Assistant may be assigned to provide direct support to students with disabilities, including students requiring specialized instructional, behavioral, or physical assistance.

Responsibilities may include:

1. Assists special education teachers and other appropriately licensed personnel in implementing students' IEPs and related instructional accommodations and modifications.

2. Provides individualized or small-group instructional assistance to students with disabilities as directed by the supervising teacher.

3. Supports the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs), positive behavioral interventions, and individualized student support strategies.

4. Assists students with organizational skills, task completion, communication, social skills, and other educational or functional needs.

5. Adapts instructional materials and assists students in accessing educational activities under the direction of the supervising teacher.

6. May be assigned to provide individual support to a student with significant educational, behavioral, or physical needs.

7. Assists with student health-related needs in accordance with established medical management plans, District procedures, and appropriate training and authorization.

8. Observes and reports student progress, behavioral concerns, and changes in student needs to the supervising teacher or administrator.

9. Maintains confidentiality of student disability information, educational records, and other protected information in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws.

10. Participates in professional development and training necessary to provide appropriate support to students with disabilities.

D. General Program and Administrative Support

1. Assists with maintaining a clean, organized, and safe instructional environment.

2. Maintains appropriate records, documentation, and reports as directed.

3. Assists teachers and administrators with clerical duties related to student instruction and program operations.

4. Participates in staff meetings, professional development, and required District training.

5. Maintains professional communication and positive working relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators.

6. Follows all District policies, procedures, directives, and applicable state and federal requirements.

7. Performs other related duties as assigned.

FLEXIBLE ASSIGNMENT AND WORK LOCATION

The Secure School Educational Assistant is assigned primarily to support the District's Secure School Program. Because student placement in the program may fluctuate throughout the school year, the position requires flexibility in work assignments and locations.

During periods when no students are assigned to the Secure School, or when the District determines that additional support is needed elsewhere, the employee may be temporarily assigned to another District school, classroom, or educational program to perform duties consistent with those of a general education or special education Educational Assistant.

Such assignments may include instructional assistance, student supervision, behavioral support, individualized student assistance, and other responsibilities within the scope of the employee's position, qualifications, and training.

The employee is expected to report to the designated assignment location and perform assigned duties as directed by District administration. Temporary reassignment does not constitute a change in the employee's primary position.

KNOWLEDGE OF

· Basic instructional methods and classroom support practices.

· Effective student supervision and behavior management techniques.

· Positive behavioral interventions, conflict resolution, and de-escalation strategies.

· Educational and behavioral needs of secondary students.

· District discipline, student safety, and emergency response procedures.

· Confidentiality requirements, including FERPA.

· Basic computer applications, instructional technology, and office procedures.

· Appropriate professional boundaries and communication with students.

ABILITY TO

· Work effectively with secondary students who may demonstrate challenging or disruptive behavior.

· Maintain composure and exercise sound judgment during stressful or potentially confrontational situations.

· Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships with students and staff.

· Follow instructional directions and implement established student support plans.

· Provide individualized assistance to students with varying educational, behavioral, and physical needs.

· Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Maintain accurate records and documentation.

· Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and support personnel.

· Adapt to changing student enrollment, program needs, and work locations.

· Perform duties in both general education and special education settings as assigned.

· Maintain student confidentiality and follow District policies and procedures.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Must meet applicable educational assistant qualification and licensure requirements.

· Previous experience working with secondary students, alternative education programs, behavioral support programs, or special education students preferred.

· CPR, First Aid, and CPI training may be required as determined by the District.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS

· Appropriate New Mexico Educational Assistant license required.

· CPI certification required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by the District.

· Additional training or certification may be required based on assigned student needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position.

· Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, and communicate with students and staff.

· Must be able to move throughout the school environment to supervise students and respond to student needs.

· May be required to assist students with mobility, transfers, or personal care activities in accordance with assigned responsibilities and appropriate training.

· Must be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds, with additional assistance or appropriate equipment utilized when necessary.

· May be required to respond promptly to student behavioral or safety concerns.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in an educational setting serving secondary students assigned to a structured alternative or disciplinary program.

The employee may encounter students exhibiting disruptive, defiant, emotionally escalated, or challenging behaviors and must consistently demonstrate professionalism, patience, and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

The position may require assignment to other District schools, classrooms, or educational programs based on student enrollment and operational needs.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The District reserves the right to assign other related duties consistent with the position, employee qualifications, applicable laws, and District operational needs.

Deming Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

THE DEMING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, MARITAL STATUS, OR HANDICAP IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS

Updated October 2026