2026-2027: Special Educational Assistant, Next Steps program @ Hermiston High School

HERMISTON HIGH SCHOOL; Hermiston (OR); On-site; USD 24,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Hermiston School District is seeking a Special Education Assistant for the Next Steps 18-21-year-old transition program located on the Hermiston High School campus. The 8-hour day position works under the supervision of a Special Education teacher to assist students with disabilities.

Starting date is immediately, with salary $17.24 to $24.25 per hour. Candidates should have an Associate's degree or 72 college credits (Work Keys/ParaPro possible substitute) and demonstrate strong character;

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's Degree or 72 college credits; ParaPro/Work Keys may substitute.
• Must demonstrate strong moral character and behavior.
• Prior experience with students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in the Next Steps program under the supervision of a Special Education teacher.
• Support 18-21 year olds in transition activities.
• Maintain a positive, organized, and safe learning environment.

Skills

Experience with students

Moral character

Education

Associate's degree or 72 college credits

Job description

2026-2027: Special Educational Assistant, Next Steps program @ Hermiston High School

Hermiston School District HERMISTON HIGH SCHOOL - Hermiston, Oregon Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in HERMISTON SD 8

Job Details

• Job ID: 5969081
• Application Deadline: Posted until filled
• Posted: Oct 22, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Immediately
• Position Type: Full-Time
• Salary: $17.24 to $24.25 Per Hour

Job Description

Hermiston School District is seeking a Special Education Assistant, 8 hours/day, to serve in our Next Steps 18-21-year-old transition program located on the Hermiston High School campus. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Special Education teacher to assist students defined as physically, mentally, and/or emotionally disabled. Position begins August 17, 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet NCLB educational requirements by possessing a minimum of an Associate's Degree or 72 college credit hours. Passage of the Work Keys or ParaPro Assessment test will serve as an alternative to the educational requirement. The ParaPro/Work Keys exam is administered by the District as needed.
• Demonstrated standards of moral character and behavior as required of teachers (e.g. to serve as an effective role model).
• Previous experience working with students, desired

The ParaPro exam study guide is available on our web-site: https://www.hermiston.k12.or.us/65132_2

About the School

Hermiston High School educates a growing population, serving ~1600 students grades 9-12, with over 130 dedicated teachers and support staff members. The principal is supported by three assistant principals, an athletic director, and a dean of students.

The largest high school in all of Eastern Oregon, Hermiston provides a robust offering of content courses as well as a variety of elective curriculums that are tied to regional college degrees, certificates, and programs. Annually, over 5000 college credits are earned across six recognized Programs of Study through partnerships with various community colleges and institutions of higher education, instructed on campus by qualified HHS staff.

Performance across the disciplines has been strong, where Hermiston High School students perform at or above the state average and consistently outperform schools of similar constitution. An extremely low drop-out rate, one of the highest completion rates in the state, and a culture towards "Destination College" has been well established where nearly 60% of high school graduates attend 2 and 4 year institutions following graduation.

The newer, ~300,000 square foot campus, is exceptionally well-maintained and boasts some 70 classrooms, 9 computer labs, media center, student fitness complex, comprehensive CTE and fine arts facilities, an on-site alternative school, and a robust online learning program. A new $5.0M sports facility recently lauded as "The Best Prep Stadium in Oregon (OregonLive, 2014)", provides a state-of-the-art collegiate-level track and field complex and all-weather football and soccer surface.

Hermiston High School utilizes a semester schedule and modified block system that provides a combination of 50 minute and 90 minute classes during each week. Students are offered 4 different diploma completion options, with the alternative high school offering a GED preparation track as well.

A diverse student body, a strength of the community and the school, Hermiston High School is comprised primarily of students who are considered Caucasian (55%) with the largest minority being of Hispanic decent (40%).

State-recognized co-curricular organizations such as FFA, FCCLA, DECA, and Robotics boast large numbers of students and incredible community support. Likewise, club activities in such areas as Spanish, science, Key Club, outdoor, knowledge bowl, rodeo, and National Honor Society are just a few of the additional offerings students participate in.

About the District

The Hermiston School District is the largest district in eastern Oregon, exceeding 5,600 students in grades kindergarten through 12, with the mission of serving the needs of all children with rigorous program choices, high expectations, mutual respect, and excellence. The school district includes a 9-12 senior high school, two 6-8 middle schools, six K-5 elementary schools, and a robust online learning program option for students and families.

Support for the school district has been strong from the community. In 2019 voters approved an $82.7 million building project, which includes the replacement of Rocky Heights Elementary (opening fall 2022), construction of an additional elementary school Loma Vista (opening fall 2022), and a multi-classroom annex of the high school, along with various district-wide renovations. The voters also approved a $69.9 million bond in 2008, which served to replace Armand Larive Middle School, West Park Elementary, and Sunset Elementary schools.

The District employs over 630 full-time staff which includes approximately 365 teachers and over 265 classified, support, and supervisory personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the city of Hermiston. A nationally-recognized community that embraces its diversity, the district serves some 28,000 residents, where one-third of the population is Hispanic.

The school district prides itself on the academic achievement of its students, successful athletic programs, nationally recognized club and activity organizations, and its exhaustive list of academic and elective opportunities available to students. The District’s partnership with community organizations has been central to its continued success, highlighted by support groups who have provided nearly half a million dollars to assist students and programs through such venues as the Hermiston Sports Booster Club, Hermiston Education Foundation, Band Boosters, FFA Alumni, and the community sponsorship of the student homebuilding program, to name a few.

About the Community

The city of Hermiston is a vibrant and growing community of approximately 18,000 residents located at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest, situated near the intersection of I-84 and I-82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and 30 minutes from the Tri-Cities in Washington. Hermiston and the entire Umatilla County area have excellent potential for growth in commercial, industrial, agricultural, as well as residential development. Hermiston boasts over 100 acres for community use, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, children's play areas, barbeque and picnic areas, and more. Located within 10 minutes of downtown Hermiston, both Umatilla and Echo have challenging golf courses. The Columbia River offers tournament-level fishing, as well as many water sports including swimming, windsurfing, and boating. Other fishing waters include the Umatilla River, Cold Springs Reservoir, and many ponds. Nearby is Hat Rock State Park, and the Blue Mountains are within an hour's drive, affording a wide variety of fishing, hunting, and camping activities. In the winter, the mountains are home to excellent snow skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, and sledding.

Salary and Benefits

The Hermiston School District offers an extremely competitive salary and benefits package which includes PERS retirement employer-paid pick-up, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive health and benefits package. A full year contract consists of 192 days, which includes 5 paid holidays.

Salary range for 2025-26: $17.24 - 24.25 (based upon verified, comparable previous work experience)

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Human Resources , HR
• 305 SW 11th Street
• Hermiston, Oregon 97838
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]