Special Education Assistant (1x1) (2026-2027) Harrison

Minneapolis Public Schools; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 36,327 - 41,121; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Minneapolis Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Assistant to provide services to assist students with special needs, helping them achieve their education and therapy goals. This role involves supporting children in various settings, including individual instruction and behavioral support.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s degree or relevant education background, along with at least two years of professional experience working with children. The position requires physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s degree or higher in Education or related field.
• Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits.
• Two years of professional experience working with children.

Responsibilities

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities.
• Assist students in learning processes and promote respect.
• Monitor student activities and maintain behavior documentation.

Skills

Behavior management

Individual instruction

Communication skills

Hygiene assistance

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Education

Completed ParaPro Assessment

Job description

Job Title: Special Education Assistant (1x1) (2026-2027) Harrison

Requisition ID: 104267

Salary Range: $26.37 - $29.85

Benefits: Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, provides a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment; assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualization lessons and activities for students with disabilities; helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities and assist MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services that maintain a safe and productive learning environment, sensitive to the needs and legal rights of Special Education students; work with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning.
• Assist students in learning processes through reinforcement of positive behavior, individual instruction, socialization and good communications.
• Monitor student activities, promote respect, explain social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalate personal confrontations.
• Maintain behavior documentation, written observations and anecdotal information files for Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA).
• Monitor work, correct papers and transition students for medications, meals, buses and classes.
• Attend to and provide for students' daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed staff; assist students in community, recreational, school and vocational training; provide assistance to students in classrooms and after-school programs.

CLASS DESIGNATIONS

Intervention SEA: Provide support in the least restrictive environment so that students can be successful in resource settings; ensure that behavior support plans are being implemented with fidelity for students in special education resource settings. Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree or higher in Education or closely related area
• Completed 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits from an accredited institution
• A passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate

AND

Two (2) years of professional experience working with children.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

First Aid/CPR/AED, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, and Special Education Orientation is required within one year.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree, and working with special needs children. Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds. Eligibility for position is based on passing the required pre-placement exam.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Conditional on passing a criminal background check.