Special Education Associate

Young World Physical Education

Des Moines (IA)

On-site

USD 30,000 - 45,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

$2,000 hiring bonus

Full-time position with benefits

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Des Moines, Iowa, seeks a Special Education Associate for the 2026-2027 school year. This full-time position requires assisting teachers and providing support to students with disabilities. Responsibilities include implementing educational plans, maintaining behavior logs, and providing personal care as needed. Competitive salary with a $2,000 hiring bonus offered. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience working with students with disabilities is desired.
Effective oral and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in the instruction and supervision of students with disabilities.
Participate in I.E.P. meetings as required.
Maintain students’ daily behavior logs.

Skills

Ability to relate to students with disabilities

Oral and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET

Job description

Special Education Associate - 26-27 School Year

Des Moines Public School District Multiple Schools - Des Moines, Iowa

Job Details

Job ID: 5664641

Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Apr 25, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 14, 2026

Job Description

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR.

The start of employment for this position will be August 14th, 2026.

The salary listed is based on the 2025-2026 school year salary schedule and is subject to change for the 2026-2027 school year.

There is a $2,000.00 hiring bonus for this position paid over 24 pay periods (1 year). Bonus is not applicable for current DMPS employees.

Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience and education.

Available Locations:

Goodrell Middle School
Roosevelt High School
Ruby Van Meter

TITLE: Special Education Associate

POSITION TYPE: ASOC

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required:

High School Diploma, G.E.D, or HiSET.
Ability to relate to students with disabilities.
Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
Oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students.

Desired:

Successful work or volunteer experience with disabled population.
Supervisory experience with school-aged children.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision and care of students with disabilities in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education and work/community settings. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the building assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Take directions from teachers, building administrators and Student and Family Services support staff.
Follow behavior management plans for individual students.
Maintain students’ daily behavior logs.
Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students’ Individual Education Plans.
Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities as needed.
Prepare and supervise students in bus loading/unloading.
Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly instructional environment.
Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.
Supervise lunchroom, playground, halls, classroom and other assigned areas.
Clarify and reinforce teacher directions.
Participate in I.E.P. meetings as required.
Assist with instruction in the community setting as required.
Assist students with assignments.
Reinforce skills taught by the teacher.
Listen to students read/read to students.
Chart/graph student performance.
Prepare bulletin boards, games, and flash cards.
Assist teacher in setting up, organizing, and preparing materials for labs or instruction.
Organize daily student work folders.
Prepare attendance cards and reports.
Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed.
Under teacher direction, implement specific strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and deescalate inappropriate behavior.
Supervise students in community/work settings.
Lift, carry and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
Perform other activities as required by the building principal or teachers.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
Maintain confidentiality.
Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

POSITION INVENTORY: B 21

BARGAINING GROUP: DMEA

FLSA STATUS: Non Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time

DAYS: 190 Day Calendar

HOURS: 7.5 Hour Day

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Constant standing and walking with frequent bending, reaching/pushing/pulling. Frequently lifting up to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Inside majority of the time with frequent outside working conditions.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job‑related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check. Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Job Requirements