Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

Douglas County School District; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

HSA

FSA

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

EAP

401(k)

403(b)

457 retirement plan

Job summary

Douglas County School District is seeking an Educational Assistant (EA IV) for the SSN program at Northridge Elementary. You will provide intensive, individualized support, assist with personal care, and help students access academic and life skills instruction in a structured environment.

Experience with significant cognitive or physical disabilities is preferred. The role involves health and safety tasks, mobility assistance, and collaboration with teachers to implement IEP goals.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students with significant disabilities preferred.
• Ability to follow health plans and behavior protocols with fidelity.
• Willingness to assist with personal care and mobility with training.

Responsibilities

• Assist with positioning, transfers, and mobility using equipment.
• Monitor health needs and administer basic first aid per protocols.
• Support IEP goals across academics, life skills, and communication.

Skills

IEP implementation

Mobility support

Sign language

PECS

AAC devices

Personal care

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

Job Description:

Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN), including those with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and possible physical, health, or medical impairments. As a critical member of the special education team, supports functional, academic, and life skills instruction, assists with personal care and medical needs, and promotes student safety, engagement, and independence within a structured and supportive learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs is preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional lifting of forty (40) to seventy (70) pounds
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting, and walking
• Occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, and standing
• Ability to run short distances

EQUIPMENT USED:

General classroom and office equipment

ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

Typical classroom noise
Mostly clean and comfortable

Responsibilities:

• Health, Mobility, & Safety:
  • Assist with student positioning, transferring (e.g., from wheelchair to stander, floor to chair), and mobility using specialized equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, standers).
  • Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, which may include seizure monitoring, administration of emergency medication (e.g., Diastat, Epipen), or basic first aid, following all required training and protocols.
  • Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, including cleaning/sanitizing equipment and materials used for personal care and instruction.
  • Closely supervise students during transitions, outdoor activities, and during mealtimes to ensure safety and prevent injury.
• Functional & Life Skills Support:
  • Support the implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academics, functional skills, communication, social skills, and vocational training.
  • Provide support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN) across settings, including general education environments, by ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies, regardless of EEO status
  • Support students with daily living and functional skills, including but not limited to, dressing, feeding (including G-tube feeding as trained and delegated), toileting/diapering, and personal hygiene.
  • Aid students in using various communication methods, including sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Education:

High School or Equivalent (Required)

Skills:

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for implementing IEPs, health plans, and behavior protocols with high fidelity, Strong commitment to student dignity, safety, and promoting the maximum level of independence for all students, Willingness and ability to assist students with personal care, toileting, and mobility, including lifting and transferring (with appropriate training and assistance)

Position Type:

Regular

Primary Location:

Northridge Elementary

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 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:

January 19, 2027