Education Assistant Specialist

Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District; Blaine (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District is seeking a dedicated professional to provide instructional and behavioral support to students with special needs at Karner Blue Education Center. This is a full-time position involving collaboration with teachers and monitoring student behavior to ensure a safe educational environment.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with adolescents, and familiarity with assistive learning tools. The role includes a starting pay of $24/hour and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) is required.
• Two years of study at a higher education institution or an Associate degree is preferred.
• 1-3 years experience with adolescents or individuals with special needs is desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional and behavioral support to students.
• Assist teachers with modifying curriculum and activities.
• Monitor students' behavior for a safe learning environment.

Skills

Monitoring children in an educational setting

Using assistive learning tools

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

60 college credits or Associate degree

Job description

Karner Blue Education Center

Located in Circle Pines, Minnesota, Karner Blue Education Center serves students in grades K-8 who have Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD). Environmental supports create a controlled space for students to learn, play and relax. The focus on nature provides a calming atmosphere, and educational philosophies tied to nature build a student's connection to their world. The Karner Blue Education Center employs the Compassionate School model, which fosters physical and emotional well-being by enabling students to build relationships, self-regulate, and achieve success in both academic and non-academic contexts.

Position Information

This position is a 7 hour/day position, with 183 paid days per year. Starting hourly pay is $24. This position is fully benefit eligible. Anticipated start date for this position is August 12, 2026.

Nature of Work

Incumbents are responsible for providing instructional and behavioral support to students individually or in small groups, and ensuring a safe and healthy education environment. Responsibilities may include: assisting teachers with modifying curriculum, class activities or materials; providing instructional support in various disciplines and facilitating social skills; monitoring students' behavior to ensure a safe and healthy environment; de-escalating student issues; providing physical care; and maintaining and preparing routine records and reports.

Typical Class Responsibilities

• Assist teachers by providing instructional support to students where differentiated/modified instruction is needed; secure the necessary equipment needed within the class to accommodate specialized student needs.
• Assist teachers with overseeing the safety, personal conduct, personal care, and behavior of the students; redirect students engaging in negative or unexpected behavior; document behaviors; implement behavior support plans and monitor for effectiveness; intervene when necessary to de-escalate students deemed to be in crises.
• Assist with instruction of student workers by providing guidance in the handling of industry-specific tools and machinery, maintaining work areas, and preventing accidents.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Training And Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 college credits) OR an Associate degree (or higher) OR successful completion of the Paraeducator training and assessments (District funded)
• 1 to 3 years successful experience working with adolescents and/or individuals with special needs. Other successful work experience can be considered.

Knowledge Requirements

• Applicable subject matter(s)
• Assistive learning tools
• Student support principles
• Recordkeeping principlesApplicable local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Computer and related software applications

Skill Requirements

• Monitoring children in an educational setting
• Observing and recording student behavior
• Using assistive learning tools
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports
• Applying local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Operating a computer and applicable software applications
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Physical Requirements

• Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects
• Job requirements include:
  • Occasionally (1-33% of the time) run, climb or balance, taste and smell, and lift up to 100lbs
  • Frequently (34-66% of the time) sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop/kneel/crouch or crawl, and lift up to 25lbs
  • Continuously (67-100% of the time) stand, walk, use hands, and talk and hear

Commitment to Equity

At Northeast Metro 916, equity means that everyone has access to what they need in order to learn, grow and thrive. Northeast Metro 916 will not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or sexual orientation.