Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.
Job Title: Special Education Assistant (Program) [DCD-SP] - (2026-2027) Ella Baker and Requisition ID number: 104648
Close Date: No established closing date; open until filled
Organizational Unit: Ella Baker PK-8 (10000040)
Site: Ella Baker (0179)
FTE 78.75 FTE; 31.75 hrs/week; 41 weeks; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time
Union: ESP(28)
Functional Area: Paraprofessional
Salary Range: $27.17-$30.75
Benefits: Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan
Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.
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DCD (Severe-Profound)
Responsible for providing 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; promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, as well as self-advocacy skills; helps
students to meet their therapy and education goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative
duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.
Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular
attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited
to, the following:
• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS; performs duties within
scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of
Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and
productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, that is also sensitive to the
individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students; works with students to improve personal skills
and reinforce classroom learning.
• Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces
positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization.
• Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates
personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Monitors assigned students and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps
records of student progress and activities.
• Maintains 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).
• Monitors work, corrects papers and transitions students for medications, meals, buses and classes.
• Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed
staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school and leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares the classroom environment and material to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in
classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS
staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
CLASS DESIGNATIONS
Bilingual: Interpret and translate all information relating to the educational programming for students who
have both Special Education and English Language Learner needs. Requires oral and written fluency in English
and a second language and bicultural background. Work in conjunction with Special Education and regular
education teachers.
o Special Education – Amharic
o Special Education – Cambodian
o Special Education – Hmong
o Special Education – Liberian
o Special Education – Oromo
o Special Education - Somali
o Special Education – Spanish
o Special Education – Tibetan
o Special Education - Vietnamese
Intervention SEA: Provides support in the least restrictive environment so that students can be successful in
resource settings; ensures that Prevent, Teach, Reinforce 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.
SEA Cadre Serve as a reserve/substitute Special Education Assistant. Employees in this unique group will be
assigned on an emergency basis to support schools/programs in high need situations across disability areas.
Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To successfully perform job, incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge
and skills.
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
• High School Diploma/GED; AND
• Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral
Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; OR
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment; AND
• Two (2) years of paid experience working with children; OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of:
• Classroom policies, procedures and processes.
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Basic principles of record keeping and records management.
• Computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations
Skill in
• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Reacting appropriately to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural
backgrounds.
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Special Education Assistant Onboarding Training is required within sixty (60) days of date of employment.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation is required within
one (1) year of date of employment based on assignment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the
job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements; requires occasionally lifting
such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects
frequently. 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.
ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. 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.
Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.
Posting Notes: | [No Established Closing Date] | Ella Baker PK-8 (10000040) | Ella Baker (0179) | Paraprofessional
We are MPS.
At MPS, we work every day to provide our students an inclusive education, a supportive community and lifelong learning.
There’s a place where everyone belongs in MPS, regardless of what you look like, what language you speak, how you pray or who you love. MPS teachers know more than your name—we know how to help you grow and achieve, wherever you are on your academic journey. We create experiences where you feel challenged and free to explore the world. Our students break the mold, and we celebrate that.
STRONG SCHOOLS REFLECT STRONG COMMUNITIES
Minneapolis Public Schools provide excellent Community Schools and now, centrally located Magnet School options, closer to home. We are central to every neighborhood and community. With more than 70 schools across the city, MPS is woven into the fabric of Minneapolis.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
LIFELONG LEARNING
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