Specialized Assistant: ASD

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

Job summary

Lansingschools is hiring a Specialized Assistant dedicated to the safety and success of students in Lansing, MI. This role involves engaging with students, supporting teachers, and collaborating with families to create a nurturing learning environment.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate's Degree, completed college credits, and experience working with students, especially those with special needs. This position provides an opportunity for passionate individuals to make a significant impact in education.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree required.
• 60 completed college credits necessary.
• Proof of passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam needed.
• Experience in working with students in small groups.
• Understanding federal or state IEP guidelines.
• Aspire to become certified teacher in the long term.
• Passion for engaging students, especially those needing special education support.

Responsibilities

• Support student engagement during lessons.
• Interact with parents to support student success.
• Build relationships with students in one-on-one settings.
• Ensure the safety of assigned students.
• Prioritize tasks as directed by teachers.
• Incorporate feedback for personal growth.
• Contribute to a positive learning environment.

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.

Role Overview

In pursuit of this mission, 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. Specialized Assistants build relationships with students they work with, support teachers in ensuring that students are engaged and supported during lessons, and interact with parents and families. They are a crucial component of a student's support structure at school.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers to engage and support students during lessons.
• Interact with parents and families to support student success.
• Build strong relationships with students in one‑on‑one and small‑group settings.
• Ensure safety of students on caseload.
• Effectively prioritize tasks as assigned by teachers and school leaders.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree.
• 60 completed college credits.
• Proof of passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam.
• 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.
• Demonstrated passion for working with students, especially in one‑on‑one and small group situations, and especially students with special education needs.

Physical Demands

• 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

At the Lansing School District, 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. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.

Legal Disclaimer

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).