Special Education Associate 26-27 School Year

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The start of employment for this position will beAugust 14th2026.

There is a $2000.00 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.

TITLE:Special Education Associate

CLASSIFICATION:Associate

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma HiSET or G.E.D.

Skills Knowledge and Abilities:

1. Ability to relate to school aged students with disabilities.
2. Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse workforce and student population.
3. Effective written and oral communication.
4. Basic computer skills.
5. Maintain confidentiality.
6. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
7. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public students and other employees.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Special Education Associate supports classroom teachers with the instruction supervision and care of students with disabilities in a variety of instructional settings including special education general education and work/community settings. The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Take directions from teachers and administrators to assist and support students with disabilities. Reinforce teacher directions and skills taught. Assist students with assignments.
2. Assist the teacher in monitoring students Individual Education Plans (IEP) by maintaining records and providing feedback as requested.
3. Follow behavior intervention plans as written in IEPs for individual students. Under teacher direction implement specific strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and de-escalate inappropriate behavior.
4. Use positive reinforcement techniques and strategies to assist in managing behavior throughout the school routine including transition times lunch and recess.
5. Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment with teacher guidance.
6. Supervise students during transitions lunch recess and assist with bus loading/unloading.
7. Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities as needed. This may include feeding diapering or assisting with bathroom needs.
8. Lift carry and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
9. Attend IEP meetings as required.
10. Supervise students in community/work settings if required by your assignment.
11. Maintain professional learning and growth by attending provided training.
12. Other duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Office of Schools

REPORTS TO:Building Administrator

HIGHEST LEVEL SUPERVISED:N/A
BARGAINING GROUP:DMEA ESP

FLSA STATUS:Non-Exempt

CALENDAR:190 days / 7.5 hour day

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin gender disability religion creed age (for employment) marital status (for programs) sexual orientation gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. If you have questions concerns or a complaint related to this policy please contact Carol Wynn-Green2100 Fleur Drive Des Moines IA 50321; phone: ; email:. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission400 E. 14th Street Des Moines IA 50319-1004 or Region VII Office for Civil Rights Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street Suite 1475 Chicago IL 60661-4544.

Employee Benefits Information

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.

Approved By: Bryce Amos

Date: 06/12/2026

Required Experience:

IC