Special Education Assistant

Los Angeles Unified School District; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

CalPERS

Vacation

Paid holidays

Job summary

Los Angeles Unified School District is hiring a Special Education Assistant to support students with disabilities under the guidance of teachers and the Special Education Division. The role involves assisting with lessons, maintaining records, and supporting daily living needs while ensuring student dignity and safety.

Ideal candidates possess a high school diploma, some college credits, and a compassionate, reliable approach.

Qualifications

• Compassionate and patient with children with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with students and staff.
• Prepared to assist with daily living needs and safety.

Responsibilities

• Care for physical needs of students with disabilities and assist in training and education.
• Assist teachers with lessons and provide additional assignments as directed.
• Help students use books, materials, and equipment in class.
• Maintain routine attendance, grades, and lunch records.
• Support students with toileting, mobility equipment, and behavior plans.

Skills

Compassionate

Patience

Reliability

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

12 college units / 18 college units

Associate degree or higher

Job description

SALARY DETAILS

$32.60 - $39.67 Hourly

APPLICATION FILING DATES

October 30, 2026 - November 15, 2026

INFORMATION ABOUT LAUSD

We are LAUSD. We are at the forefront of innovation in public education, focused on a clear and inspiring vision of the future for all of our students as they venture forward on their journey as lifelong learners. Here, you will have the opportunity to exercise your potential in a role supporting the business of education. Our work directly contributes toward the goal of ensuring that our students graduate ready for the world – ready to thrive in college, career, and life. LAUSD is the second largest school district in the nation, with an enrollment of nearly 575,000 students. We serve an area totaling 710 square miles, with over 1,190 schools and educational centers, and we employ over 74,000 individuals, making us one of the largest employers in our city.

LAUSD Employees: Please be advised that all LAUSD employees must sign in to the GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network (VPN) in order to submit an application from an external network outside of an LAUSD location. For assistance with installing the GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network, please contact Information Technology Services at [phone] or [phone] or via their page at http://www.lausd.org/helpdesk .

DEPARTMENT OR SCHOOL SITE

The LAUSD Division of Special Education is currently hiring Special Education Assistants. The list of eligible candidates that results from this recruitment will be utilized to fill current and future vacancies throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District. Special Education ensures that the unique needs of students with disabilities are met through additional services, support programs, specialized placements, or environments. Special Education services are provided to eligible students at no cost to families. The core purpose of Special Education is to provide specially designed instruction and intervention, as well as to give students with disabilities access to the same educational programs and/or activities as their non-disabled peers.

• For more information about the Special Education Division, please click on the following link: http://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/soolhrw3ao?popover=true
• For a realistic job preview of a day in the life of a Special Education Assistant, please click on the following link: https://lausd.wistia.com/medias/w8z9agbl17

If you are unable to open the links, please copy and paste it into your web browser's address bar.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the Special Education Assistant position will be a compassionate, patient, and reliable individual with a strong understanding of the physical and emotional needs of children at various developmental stages. They will possess knowledge of the general nature and causes of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, as well as first aid techniques and the safe use of specialized equipment such as wheelchairs and braces.

This individual will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English using appropriate vocabulary, establish rapport and gain the confidence of students, and build positive relationships through empathy and respect. The ideal candidate will remain calm and act appropriately in emergencies, follow directions with accuracy, and work collaboratively as part of a team. They will also be prepared to assist students with essential daily living needs, including feeding and toileting, always maintaining dignity and care for the students they support.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

A Special Education Assistant assists teachers by caring for the physical needs of students with disabilities and helping in their training and education through the presentation of educational materials or exercises.

The typical duties for this position include:

• Performing a variety of activities pertinent to training, physical care, disciplining, and tutoring in order to inculcate habits, knowledge, and skills in students with disabilities.
• Assisting teachers in implementing lessons or portions of lessons to a student or a group of students, checking accuracy of work, and presenting additional assignments as directed by a teacher.
• Helping students to use books, classroom materials, and equipment.
• Adjusting or rephrasing portions of text and classroom instructions.
• Keeping routine records related to recording attendance, grades, test scores, and lunch money.
• Assisting teachers with the use of electronic equipment and presentation of materials and methods to reinforce lessons to students.
• Assisting teachers in directing activities for assigned groups of students.
• Lifting students in and out of holding or locomotive devices and on and off buses when trained by appropriate staff.
• Assisting students with all aspects of toileting, which may include diapering and lifting on and off the toilet, changing tables, and mats when trained by appropriate staff.
• Assisting students with the use of mobility equipment, such as leg braces, walkers, mobile standers, and tricycles when trained by appropriate staff.
• Assisting teachers in working with students who may be demonstrating such behaviors as hitting, biting, scratching, and running, and working as a member of a team to implement the behavior support plan and/or crisis plan when trained by appropriate staff.

Please Note: This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities of this position. For a comprehensive list of duties performed, please refer to the class description via our website: https://bit.ly/4omBkAJ

BENEFITS

• Insurance: Paid premiums for your choice of several medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Retirement: Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Vacation: Full-time employees earn up to two weeks of paid vacation to start. Three weeks after five years of year-round paid service.
• Paid Holidays: Up to 13 days.

NOTE: Positions in this job classification may be offered on a 9-month basis - salary and paid time off for 9-month positions will be adjusted accordingly.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND one of the following:
• Completion of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units from a recognized college or university
• Possession of an associate or higher degree from a recognized college or university
• A passing score on the District Proficiency (DP) Test AND the Instructional Assistance (IA) Test

Note: A passing score on the CBEST may substitute for the District Proficiency Test. Candidates who need to take the DP and/or IA tests can schedule a testing appointment by going to and clicking on the "District Proficiency and Instructional Assistance Assessment" link found on the list of current job opportunities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

• Special Education Assistant require the above AND in addition, one of the following:
• Twelve college semester units or 18 quarter units in courses directly related to the instruction, physical care, or well-being of children with disabilities. Such courses are most likely to be offered in the following areas: special education, child development, psychology, health, and education. Successful completion of a course in language signing or Braille offered by the District or a recognized college or university may be substituted for three of the twelve required semester units.
• 600 hours as an LAUSD Special Education Trainee.
• One year of verifiable experience providing physical or instructional assistance to disabled individuals in a school, pre-school, hospital, or other education program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A Los Angeles Unified School District Food Handler's Certificate must be obtained upon appointment and renewed annually.
• A First-Aid Certificate issued by a recognized First Aid training program must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and must be kept valid during the term of employment.
• Ability to communicate in a language in addition to English may be required for some positions.
• A valid driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of California and the use of a motor vehicle, or the ability to utilize and alternative method of transportation may be required for some positions.
• A CPR Certificate issued by a recognized CPR training program must be obtained within 60 days after appointment and kept valid during the term of employment.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

• Sufficient strength to safely lift and carry objects or assist in lifting students of varying weights.

PLEASE NOTE: All entrance requirements must be met at the time of application in order to move forward with the assessment process. To validate your experience, please be sure to update your profile AND upload your most current resume with all relevant experience information as it relates to this position. To verify the education requirement, transcripts and/or diplomas must be presented at the time applications are screened. As such, please be sure to upload it as an attachment to your candidate profile. Candidates who have completed college or university coursework at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts and degrees. Please be sure to request a DETAILED report. For a list of approved evaluation organizations, visit: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/foreign-transcript-evaluation-(cl-635)

EMPLOYMENT SELECTION PROCESS

We anticipate receiving a number of well-qualified applicants for this position; therefore, there will be a competitive process. The hiring departments have requested that we proceed with the selection process in an expeditious and timely manner. To honor this request, we will be adhering to a preplanned employment assessment schedule.

The assessment process for this position is tentatively scheduled to consist of a qualifying (pass/fail) Multiple-Choice test, followed by a Scored Questionnaire worth 100% of the overall assessment score.

IMPORTANT TESTING INFORMATION

• The Multiple-Choice test for this position has a four (4)-month retake period beginning on the date of your original test appointment. If you have taken the test within the past four (4) months, that previous test score will automatically be applied to this application. Therefore, completing the Multiple-Choice test again during this period will not result in a new score being applied. If you wish to attempt to obtain a new score, you must wait until the four (4) month retake period has elapsed before reapplying.
• The Scored Questionnaire for this position is accessed through a link provided in the application and must be completed at the time of application submission. The Scored Questionnaire also has a four (4) month retake period. If you have taken the test within the past four (4) months, your previous score will automatically be applied to this application. Therefore, completing the Scored Questionnaire again during this period will not result in a new score being applied. If you wish to attempt to obtain a new score, you must wait until the four (4) month retake period has elapsed before reapplying.

Application materials (your candidate profile, resume, and supplemental questionnaire) will be evaluated in relation to the background, experience, and competencies identified for successful performance in this job. For this reason, it is highly recommended that your application materials clearly show all of your relevant background and specialized skills, knowledge, and abilities. Once you have logged into our application system, attach and submit your resume. Please ensure that your resume clearly indicates the extent of your experience and expertise as it relates to this position by describing in detail your experience, education, and training that most closely relate to the Special Education Assistant.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The testing may be conducted remotei and/or in person, and all applicants will be required to submit a Candidate Confidentiality Form prior to testing. Failure to submit these forms before the given deadline will result in the withdrawal of your application from the selection process.
• Candidates who receive a failing score on any test module will NOT be eligible to move forward in the selection process.
• At the time of the test administration, you will be REQUIRED to present an unexpired government picture identification.
• If you are unable to attend the scheduled test date, rescheduling is NOT guaranteed.
• You will be required to submit the scored questionnaire used as a test part at the time that you submit your application.

If you have questions regarding the employment selection process, please contact Monica Vergara at [e-mail].

APPLICATION PROCESS

To find out whether the application deadline has been extended, visit the website at: http://www.lausdjobs.org . The Los Angeles Unified School District intends that all qualified persons shall have equal opportunities for employment and promotion. Reasonable accommodations in completing an application and testing are available to individuals with disabilities. Please call [phone] for more information.

ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION

The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct, or bullying. The District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abusive conduct or bullying based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, gender/sex (including gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding/lactation status and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin (including language use restrictions and possession of a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code), ancestry, immigration status, physical or mental disability (including clinical depression and bipolar disorder, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease), medical condition (cancer related and genetic characteristics), military and veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age (40 and above), genetic information, political belief or affiliation (unless union related), a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation in any program or activity it conducts or to which it provides significant assistance. For inquiries or complaints, contact our Equal Opportunity Section at [phone].

Selection and promotion are based on a competitive employment assessment process. Candidates who pass all parts of the assessment process are placed on a hiring (eligibility) list based on their assessment score. Hiring departments may make job offers to candidates on the top three ranks of the hiring list. Eligibility typically lasts for 12 months. The hiring list resulting from this assessment process may be used to fill open positions in related job classifications.

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