Associate, Special Education
Indianola Community School District – Emerson Elementary School, Indianola, Iowa
Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026
Job Description
Position Title: Associate, Special Education
Department: Special Education
Reports To: Principal, Special Education Teacher
Summary
Provides assistance and supports to students under direct supervision of certified personnel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Reports to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis.
- Supervises and monitors students in a variety of settings and accompanies them as they move around the building.
- Assists certified personnel in organizing and maintaining physical spaces.
- Facilitates integration of entitled students in typical classrooms and provides social, behavioral, and academic supports in the general education setting, under direction of certified personnel.
- Assists in presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises in compliance with student IEP.
- Reviews lessons and provides drill and practice opportunities for individual and groups of students.
- Assists students in generalizing and reinforcing skills across settings.
- Provides communication and social skills supports.
- Assists certified personnel in preparing and implementing accommodations and modifications prescribed by students’ IEPs.
- Assists certified staff in preparing materials, such as reproducing and preparing materials and equipment, correcting papers and workbooks, and creating materials for bulletin boards.
- Assists in collection and recording of progress monitoring data using metrics prescribed by students’ IEPs.
- Assists in implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and supports students to meet expectations for appropriate behavior.
- Demonstrates collegiality, cooperation and professionalism with school personnel, students, parents and other stakeholders.
- Uses specialized equipment, including computers, mobility devices, augmentative communicators, pencil grips and other devices, to support students’ unique needs.
- Takes necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Works as team member on building level committee and collegial activities within the building and district.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations.
- Meets core expectations for all staff reflected in Iowa Administrative Code, Board Policy, and the district performance evaluation system.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises students during all school-related activities.
Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Experience: None specified.
Other requirements: Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Adhering to safety practices; operating equipment used in specialized healthcare and assistive technology devices; operating standard office equipment and software; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
- Basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); reading manuals; writing documents; presenting information; solving practical problems.
- Knowledge of children with severe physical, cognitive or vision disabilities; assistive technology; instructional procedures; age‑appropriate activities; safety practices; basic child development theory.
- Ability to schedule activities; gather data; adapt to changing priorities; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; handle interruptions.
Working Environment
Physical demands include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Typical workload: 35% sitting, 30% walking, 35% standing. Requires exposure to risk of injury and/or illness in a clean atmosphere.
Other Requirements
- Prescribed training modules.
- Criminal Fingerprint/Background Check.
- Seclusion and Restraint training (Chapter 103).
- Mandatory Reporter Training – Child Abuse.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
- Prescribed District Training Modules.
FLSA Status
Non‑Exempt. Part‑time. Hourly rate: $16.88 per hour. Salary schedule: Associate Salary Schedule.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All employers submitting no discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, orientation, identity, religion, marital status or veteran status. (Legal statement)
Job Requirements
- High school or trade school degree preferred.
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required.
Contact Information
- Brittany Murillo, Principal – Emerson Elementary School
- Phone: 515-961-9550
- Email: brittany.murillo@indianola.k12.ia.us