Special Education Technician

Purpose Statement:: Special Education Technicians are hired specifically for CKCIE special education programs exclusively designed for students with significant developmental, social emotional and/or mental health conditions (aka CKCIE “cluster” programs). These programs are all currently in SALINA Public Schools attendance centers. The job of the special education technician is done for the purposes of providing assistance in implementing plans and programs related to the academic or functional skill attainment for students with significant disabilities; observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior, ensuring the safety and welfare of students; and assisting with the instruction, self care and management of students. The tasks given to a special education technician exceed that of a typical paraprofessional due to the collective needs of the students in the CKCIE programs in which they work. These students may be affected by limited cognitive functioning, physical disabilities, and profound developmental and mental health disabilities. 

Essential Functions

• Completes ongoing training to increase knowledge for the purpose of meeting program requirements such as crisis de-escalation training, implementing complex behavior and/or health care plans.

• Administers first aid and crisis intervention services to students for the purpose of providing emergency or necessary care in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.

• Confers with teachers and/or specialists for the purpose of assisting in evaluating students' progress and/or implementing students' IEPs.

• Implements instructional programs and behavior intervention plans designed by the IEP team for the purpose of assisting in meeting the students’ needs and providing a consistent environment. 

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials for the purpose for providing an opportunity for special education students to participate in classroom activities. 

•  Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured student, seizures, choking, dangerous behaviors, etc) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution. 

• Assists special education students requiring daily care (e.g. toileting, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care and/or developing students’ daily living and behavioral skills. 

• Monitors and assists with special education students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. classrooms, playground, restrooms, hallways, cafeteria, labs, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of enabling students to participate in all classroom activities, aiding students in communicating with others, acting as a liaison for, and ensuring the safety and welfare of special education students. 

• Performs record keeping (e.g. daily data on instruction and/or behavior) for the purpose of supporting the teacher, specialists, and/or administrator in providing necessary records/materials.

• Provides direct instructional services to students under the supervision of related service providers (OT, PT, SL, VI, AT, HI) for the purpose of implementing IEP goals and/or remediating student deficiencies.

• Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations for the purpose of assisting certified personnel in evaluating students.

• Punctual and regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

Other Functions

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to continuously upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; administering first aid; and adhering to safety practices that align with local state and federal statutes (Emergency Safety Interventions, Mandt, board policies, etc.).

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, gather data, and use basic technology. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and use basic technology. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining confidentiality, working as part of a team, communicating in a positive, non-threatening manner, problem solving, adapting to changing work priorities, and building effective relationships with students and co-workers. 

KNOWLEDGE is required to provide students with instruction on basic academic skills, write routine documents, speak clearly; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job including; understanding of basic instructional procedures and practices, age appropriate student activities, regulations and laws related to the job functions, safety practices and procedures, conflict resolution and stages of child development/behavior. 

Responsibility: Responsibilities include: Being able to work independently with periodic supervision from certified staff. This position requires the ability to think clearly in crisis situations and exercise good judgment when working with challenging students and situations. Special Education Technicians will be required to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR and Mandt certification. 

Working Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 40% walking, and 45% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and some hazardous conditions and circumstances. Working in this environment may require the employee to wear protective gear and clothing. 

Days Worked: 183 (+5 paid holidays) = 5 of the teacher inservice workdays chosen by teacher/supervisor, building principal and CKCIE building coordinator

Hours: 37.5 hours/week