Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program

Douglas County School District; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

HSA

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

EAP

401(k) / 403(b) / 457

Paid time off

Job summary

Douglas County School District is seeking an Educational Assistant (EA IV) for the Affective Needs (AN) program at Mesa Middle School. The role focuses on providing specialized support for students with emotional and behavioral challenges, implementing crisis intervention, and promoting a safe, therapeutic learning environment.

You will collaborate with SPED staff, school psychologists, counselors, and social workers to address student needs, support IEP goals, and assist in transitions to the

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• First Aid & CPR Certification required.
• Willingness to complete crisis management training.

Responsibilities

• Program & Safety Support: maintain situational awareness to address escalating behaviors; collaborate with SPED team to ensure unified support; ensure safety and confidentiality.
• Instructional Support: assist with IEP goals related to social, emotional, and academic development; help students access curriculum and complete assignments; facilitate restorative practices and SEL groups.
• Emotional & Behavioral Support: implement crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity; provide calm support during distress; collect daily data on behavior and progress.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Calm under pressure

Therapeutic communication

Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

## Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) ProgramApplylocations: Mesa Middle Schooltime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: November 12, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: Req-00082380## Please complete this application using your full legal name as it appears on your government issued forms of identification when you have time to go from start to finish. Application details cannot be saved along the way, and you must complete and submit the application in one sitting. If you leave your computer and return later, you may time out.*REMINDER: Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only!*## **Job Posting Title:**Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program## Job Description:Provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Affective Needs (AN), who exhibit complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. As a critical member of the special education team, is primarily responsible for implementing crisis intervention strategies, facilitating emotional regulation, and fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional lifting of forty (40) to seventy (70) pounds Frequent bending, standing, sitting, walking Occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, or standing Ability to run short distances EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES USED: General classroom equipment. ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: Mostly clean and comfortable. Some classroom level noise.## Position Specific Information (if Applicable):## Responsibilities:**Program & Safety Support:*** Maintain a high level of situational awareness to proactively identify and address escalating behaviors in the classroom and throughout the school.* Collaborate closely with the Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Counselor, Social Worker, and other mental health professionals to ensure a unified approach to student support.* Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of all students, responding effectively to all safety and crisis concerns.* Respect confidentiality regarding student needs and abilities.**Instructional Support:*** Assist the Special Education Teacher with the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to social, emotional, and academic development.* Support students in accessing the curriculum, completing assignments, and managing the demands of the school environment, including tasks that are modified or accommodated based on the IEP.* Facilitate restorative practices and social skills groups as directed by the teacher or school mental health professionals.* Support students' successful transition and integration into the general education setting by providing scaffolding and emotional support.* Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.**Emotional & Behavioral Support:*** Implement student-specific crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity, adhering to established protocols (e.g., Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - CPI).* Provide consistent and calm support to students during moments of emotional distress or behavioral crisis, facilitating a return to regulation.* Assist students with developing and utilizing social-emotional learning (SEL) and coping skills, and support their appropriate use of a sensory/safe room or designated therapeutic space.* Implement student-specific Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), focusing on proactive strategies and teaching replacement behaviors.* Collect and maintain accurate daily data on student behavior and emotional progress as required by the IEP team.## Certifications:First Aid & CPR Certification - American Heart Association## Education:High School or Equivalent (Required)## Skills:● Demonstrated ability to remain calm, objective, and effective during student crises or high-stress behavioral situations., ● Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills, with an emphasis on therapeutic and non-judgmental communication., ● Willingness and ability to complete required training in crisis management and maintain physical certification.## Position Type:Regular## Primary Location:Mesa Middle School## One Year Only (Yes or No):No## Scheduled Hours Per Week:37.5## FTE:0.94## Approx Scheduled Days Per Year:180 Work Days* *(260 days indicates a year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are then granted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)*## **Minimum Hire Rate:**$19.84 USD Hourly## **Maximum Hire Rate:**$25.20 USD Hourly## Full Salary Range:$19.84 USD - $30.55 USD Hourly* *All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.*## Benefits:This position is eligible for health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options.## Time Off Plans:This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.## This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past:November 12, 2026