Special Education Assistant - Resource, Available 2026 - 2027 School Year

Special Education Assistant

This is a 185 day position. Pay Schedule: Grade 105 This position is for the 2026 - 2027 school year. This position requires one of the following: 60 semester hours at an accredited institution of higher education; or an Associate's degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education; or a qualifying score on one of the state-approved assessment exams (ParaPathways) Important Note: ParaPathways exam scores will be accepted effective September 1, 2026.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, provides teaching assistance to assigned Teacher(s), student(s), or classroom(s). Supports students' Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals by delivering individual or small group instruction; implements plans for the remediation of student deficiencies; assists in the development of daily living, behavioral, and vocational skills; and carefully monitors the students at all times. Maintains a classroom climate that promotes respect, tolerance, and collaborative problem solving for all students.

Minimum Requirements

Education

High School Diploma required.

Note: Highly Qualified designation: Documentation of completion of 60 credit hours of study towards a degree program at an accredited institution of higher education or a passing score on a South Carolina Department of Education-approved assessment required.

Certification/License

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required.

Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license or government issued picture ID.

Work Experience

Additional work experience gained through education, training, and certification requirements that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the general concepts of child growth and development and child behavioral characteristics.
• Knowledge of the behavior patterns and developmental limitations of students with special needs.
• Knowledge in the application of classroom instruction and teaching.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the school and District which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of District and school safety and security procedures.
• Knowledge and use of computer applications relevant to the position.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm and receptive attitude towards students.
• Ability and willingness to learn the classroom program model and teaching techniques required for the assigned classroom. Ability to accept training and guidance provided by the supervising teacher.
• Ability to provide instruction to students through explanation, demonstration, and/or supervised practice.
• Ability to supervise students and maintain order in various classroom and instructional activities and situations.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm, and receptive attitude towards students.
• Ability to interact with coworkers, parents, supervisors, and the general public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.
• Ability to anticipate work to be completed and initiate proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with little to no supervision and instruction.
• Ability to apply judgment and complex logic in defining problems, collecting information, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Ability to maintain high standards of organization, accuracy, and timeliness in exercising duties.
• Ability to work independently and as a productive member of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, continually changing work environment.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions in a flexible manner and difficult, stressful situations in a professional and appropriate fashion.

Essential Duties

• Assists classroom teachers with academic instruction and classroom activities; prepares materials; implements instructional programs, lesson plans, and assessments as directed.
• In coordination with the classroom teacher, provides direct instruction to students through explanation, demonstration, and/or supervised practice to increase student learning and maximize time on task.
• Assists students, individually or in groups, by presenting and/or reinforcing concepts, modeling appropriate behavior, etc.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher to provide the opportunity for all students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers various types of assessments to monitor students' progress, as required by District and State testing procedures. Assists with the maintenance of accurate and complete student records.
• Creates and maintains a positive learning environment by implementing appropriate behavioral supports, interventions, and management strategies. Ensures a safe, orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for their behavior. Assists and enforces school rules, Board policies, and District procedures.
• Integrates a variety of technology applications and tools to augment student learning, including assistive technology as appropriate.
• Adheres to safety practices and implements individual and/or group behavior management programs as required.
• Assists students with personal hygiene and daily living skills including toileting, diapering, feeding, transferring wheelchair-bound students, changing clothing, etc.
• Assists with the maintenance of the classroom to provide a clean, safe environment.
• Carefully supervises and monitors students in various activities and settings, including the classroom, hallways, lunch periods, playgrounds, field trips, bus loading areas, etc.
• Confers and follows the direction of special education or mainstream teachers to assist in implementing IEP objectives, evaluating the progress of students, coordinating tests and homework assignments, and maintaining accurate records.
• Implements individual behavior intervention plans (BIP) designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions in order to meet student needs and provide a supportive and consistent educational environment. Uses Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques as appropriate and maintains a current certificate.
• Adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality concerning sensitive matters, students, and staff.
• Uses good judgment in responding to emergency situations (e.g., health emergencies, run away situations, fights, injuries, etc.). Promptly reports observations and incidents to resolve safety or health concerns, to provide appropriate documentation, and/or communicate information to appropriate personnel.
• Promptly reports suspected instances of child abuse and/or neglect as required by applicable South Carolina laws, District policies, and school procedures.
• Promptly reports incidents or concerns such as fights, suspected alcohol or substance abuse, possession of weapons, student or other health/safety concerns, etc., adhering to appropriate policies and procedures.
• Establishes a professional rapport with students and staff that fosters their respect. Displays the highest standards for ethical and professional behavior while working with students, parents, school personnel, District staff, community members, and other parties.
• Presents a positive image of Richland School District Two and complies with the District's Board policies at all times.
• Participates in professional development led by District specialists and school-based leadership teams.
• Serves as a role model for others, willingly accepts assigned responsibilities; and demonstrates pride in the education profession.
• Dresses appropriately for the assigned duties with neat and professional clothing that allows for bending, crouching, sitting on various surfaces including floor surfaces, and for allowing free movement without restriction, etc.; keeps jewelry to an absolute minimum.
• Demonstrates prompt, regular attendance and is available to work during normal business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods of time.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone, computer, or virtual setting.

Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers; twist and bend at wrist and elbows; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh twenty (20) or more pounds on a frequent basis.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors; work outdoors or in a community setting as necessary for the position.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret, and apply information on a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a proficiency level appropriate to the position; sound judgment; the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understands and adequately manages stressful