Special Education Assistant EI/ECSE - Prorated 26/27 School Year (.7 FTE,28HRS/WK)

High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Title: Special Education Assistant EI/ECSE

Job Details: .7FTE/28hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 189 days per year; will be prorated for the remainder of the 26/27 school year

Positions Available: 1

Location: La Pine Community Center

Desired Position Start Date: 10/05/2026

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Rate as established by bargaining agreement, Classified Wage Schedule, starting range $26.41/hr - $34.12/hr. Benefits include a prorated family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Special Education Assistant EI/ECSE

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or administrator, the Special Education Assistant provides support services in classrooms, resource centers, or other program-related areas. The assistant is actively involved in the instructional program for assigned students and their identified needs. Duties and responsibilities vary depending on class/program assignments. Program components may include individualized, one-on-one, small group or full class instruction, structured environments, inclusion, and family involvement. The curriculum often emphasizes communication, social skills, academics, life skills, positive behavior support, trauma informed and sensory-motor needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Follow the direction of the teacher, team leader, or supervisor in a cooperative manner.

Learn techniques, procedures, and routines quickly and competently.

Facilitate meaningful learning experiences and individualize intervention and instruction under the guidance of the teacher.

Develop and maintain reciprocal partnerships with students, families, volunteers, other staff members, and the general public that are culturally affirming.

Assist the teacher, team leader, or supervisor in working with children, either individually or in groups.

Assist in all phases of the daily operations of the program.

Assist in maintaining students' life skills such as dressing, hygiene, toileting, and feeding.

Assist with the integration of children into a variety of settings.

Assist with appropriate assessments of students.

Under the direction of the teacher, assist with implementing individualized educational plans, such as IFSP, behavior support and medical protocols; support informal and formal measures of student progress and/or other records as requested.

Participate in required training around approved non-violent crisis intervention.

Prepare instructional materials and operate instructional equipment.

Participate in ongoing professional development and exhibit skills in reflective practice and adherence to ethical and legal guidelines.

Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher. Evidence -based and recommended practices are promoted and used by the assistant.

Manage student behavior across settings using consistent and positive intervention strategies.

Maintain a neat and orderly environment.

Participate in off-site learning programs and field trips such as adapted swimming, horseback riding, etc.

Under the guidance and direction of their supervisor, assistant uses curriculum frameworks to support universally designed, high quality learning experiences.

Communicate regularly and appropriately, applying teaming and collaboration skills, both verbally and through the use of email.

Apply all training in the job setting, including, but not limited to, mandatory reporting.

Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations.

Learn, understand and follow all ODE competencies as related to EI/ECSE.

Exhibit regular attendance, with no more than an average of one day per month absent unless on protected statutory leave.

Be punctual and present for all required duties.

Fulfill other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Ability to work independently with minimal direction.

Good organizational skills and good command of the English language.

Demonstrated aptitude for the work and a genuine interest in and ability to relate to students.

Ability to perform significant reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, and lifting up to 50 pounds; this may include proper restraint of a child.

Reliable transportation and consistent attendance.

Successful experience working with culturally diverse families and communities, or demonstrated commitment to equity and effective communication with a diverse population.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two years of experience or training with children in a similar program.

STAR Training

Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.

Early childhood education, experience, and/or training.

Physical Demands:

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.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hands and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include seeing close and at a distance, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Workloads are heavy, and timelines may occasionally be short. Requests often require immediate attention and may conflict with other priorities.

Terms of Employment Salary, benefits, and vacation are established by policy and the collective bargaining agreement.