Specialized Assistant: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Lansing School District; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lansing School District is hiring a Specialized Assistant dedicated to ensuring student safety and success, particularly for those with disabilities. This role emphasizes building relationships with students and their families, and requires an Associate's Degree along with passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam.

Candidates should demonstrate a passion for working one-on-one with students, manage tasks effectively, and be committed to providing educational excellence in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Proof of passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety of students on caseload.
• Build relationships with students and parents.
• Demonstrate passion for working with students.

Skills

Passion for working with students

Ability to prioritize tasks

Effective communication skills

Education

Associate's Degree

60 completed college credits

Job description

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

Job Overview

We are hiring a Specialized Assistant. This individual will help ensure the safety and success of students in the building that they are assigned to, highlighting support for students with disabilities.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrate passion for working with students, especially in one‑on‑one and small group situations.
• Effectively prioritize tasks as assigned by teachers and school leaders.
• Ensure safety of students on caseload.
• Learn and grow by incorporating feedback from school leaders, colleagues, students, and professional development sessions.
• Build relationships with students and parents to ensure a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Other duties as assigned to best support the Lansing School District mission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree
• 60 completed college credits
• Proof of passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with students in small group and RTI settings.
• Understanding of how to read and understand a student's IEP.
• Desire to become a certified teacher long term.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Physical demands described are representative of those met to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and move quickly between indoor and outdoor settings for extended periods.
• Regularly required to bend, kneel, crouch, and assist with physical transfers or interventions involving students.
• Must be able to lift, push, or carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Frequent verbal communication is required to support students, coordinate with staff, and manage emergent situations.
• Occasional use of computers, radios, and other communication or documentation tools.
• May be exposed to noise, weather conditions, and other elements associated with a school environment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. As an equal‑opportunity employer, the district invites passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply.

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District, additional job responsibilities may be assigned (depending on funding sources).

This is a 0.875 FTE role (7 hours/day).