Position Summary

Southside School District is seeking a compassionate, patient, dependable, and student-centered Educational Assistant to provide individualized support for an elementary student with autism.

The 1:1 Educational Assistant will work collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and school administrators to support the student's academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and communication needs.

The primary goal of this position is to help the student successfully participate in the school environment, develop meaningful relationships, strengthen independence, and access educational opportunities in a safe, supportive, and inclusive setting.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility, strong relationship-building skills, a calm and positive approach to challenging situations, and a genuine commitment to helping students succeed.

Open until filled

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Individualized Student Support

Provide direct, individualized assistance throughout the school day based on the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and identified needs.
Support the student's participation in classroom instruction, learning activities, transitions, and school routines.
Assist the student in developing independence, self-confidence, and appropriate self-advocacy skills.
Adapt the level of assistance to promote student success without creating unnecessary dependence on adult support.
Help establish and maintain predictable routines and structured learning environments.

2. Academic and Instructional Support

Reinforce academic instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher and special education teacher.
Assist with completing assignments, following directions, organizing materials, and remaining engaged in learning activities.
Implement instructional accommodations, modifications, and strategies identified by certificated staff.
Break tasks into manageable steps and provide appropriate visual, verbal, or other instructional supports.
Encourage participation in general education instruction and classroom activities.

3. Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support

Implement positive behavior supports and individualized strategies consistent with the student's IEP, when applicable.
Recognize early signs of frustration, anxiety, sensory overload, or emotional dysregulation and respond proactively.
Utilize calm, respectful, supportive approaches to help the student regulate emotions and successfully navigate challenging situations.
Reinforce appropriate communication, coping strategies, and positive social interactions.
Support the development of appropriate peer relationships and participation in group activities.
Assist in maintaining a safe learning environment while preserving student dignity and respecting individual differences.

4. Communication and Social Skills

Support the student's ability to communicate needs, preferences, feelings, and ideas.
Implement communication strategies and tools recommended by the student's educational team, including visual supports or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), when appropriate.
Encourage meaningful interactions with classmates and school staff.
Promote social participation, friendship development, and a sense of belonging.
Allow appropriate processing time and recognize different forms of communication.

5. Sensory and Self-Regulation Support

Recognize and respond to individual sensory needs.
Support the use of sensory tools, movement breaks, designated regulation spaces, and other strategies identified by the educational team.
Assist the student with transitions between activities, settings, and routines.
Help the student develop increasing independence in recognizing and managing personal regulation needs.

6. Safety, Supervision, and Personal Care

Provide appropriate supervision during classroom activities, recess, lunch, transitions, and other assigned school activities.
Support student safety and follow established school procedures and individualized safety plans.
Assist with personal care or daily living activities when required by the student's individualized educational needs and assigned duties.
Follow district policies and required training related to student safety, emergency response, and behavioral support.
Use physical intervention only when authorized, legally permitted, and consistent with district policy and required training.

7. Collaboration and Communication

Work closely with the classroom teacher, special education teacher, related service providers, and school administrators.
Maintain professional, positive, and confidential communication regarding student progress and needs.
Participate in relevant staff meetings, training, and collaborative planning as assigned.
Follow instructional plans and recommendations developed by the student's educational team.
Communicate observations, concerns, and student successes to supervising staff.

8. Documentation and Progress Monitoring

Collect and record student performance, behavior, communication, or other data as directed by the special education teacher.
Monitor progress toward individualized goals using established procedures.
Maintain accurate, objective, and confidential records.
Share observations that assist the educational team in evaluating student progress and adjusting supports.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet applicable Washington State paraeducator employment and qualification requirements.
Ability to work effectively with elementary-aged students with diverse learning and developmental needs.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to follow written and verbal directions and implement individualized support plans.
Demonstrated patience, reliability, flexibility, and professionalism.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish appropriate professional boundaries.
Successful completion of required background checks and district employment requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working with students with autism or other developmental disabilities is preferred, but not mandatory.
Experience providing individualized support in an elementary school setting.
Knowledge of positive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and sensory regulation techniques.
Familiarity with IEPs, behavior intervention plans, visual schedules, and structured instructional strategies.
Experience supporting students with communication differences or AAC systems.
Training in trauma-informed practices, inclusive education, or specialized behavioral supports.

Essential Skills and Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Patience and compassion: Ability to remain calm, supportive, and respectful during challenging situations.
Relationship building: Ability to establish trust and meaningful connections with students.
Consistency: Commitment to maintaining predictable routines, expectations, and positive supports.
Flexibility: Ability to adjust approaches based on student needs and educational team direction.
Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate with teachers, specialists, administrators, and families through established communication procedures.
Positive mindset: Belief that all students are capable of learning, growing, and experiencing success.
Commitment to independence: Understanding that effective 1:1 support promotes student autonomy rather than dependence on adult assistance.

Physical and Working Conditions

The position may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and assisting with student movement and school activities throughout the day. The employee must be able to respond appropriately to student safety needs and perform assigned duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Our Commitment

At Southside School District, we believe all students are capable of success—no exceptions.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, develops meaningful relationships, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The 1:1 Educational Assistant plays an important role in helping students build the skills, confidence, and independence necessary for success in school and beyond.

Qualifications:

Associate Degree or its equivalent, or availability to take the state educational assistant paraprofessional test

Current Washington State Patrol background check and current fingerprint check

Reports To: School & District Administrators

Bargaining Unit: Southside Educational Support (E.S.P.) Association

Assigned Salary Schedule: 7.5 hrs/day or maximum 37.5 hrs/week, $26.63/hr base pay pending hourly wage schedule placement

Position open until filled

Southside School 1:1 Educational Assistant - Elementary Education Support (Autism Support)