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Special Needs Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Denver Public Schools

SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT

Denver, CO · On-site

$22.50/hr

... * Assist in planning program curriculum. * Attend all orientations, trainings and staff meetings. * Other duties as assigned. What You'll Need: Knowledge, Experience, & Other Qualifications: * Must ...

ECS4KIDS

Special Needs Assistant

Jacksonville, FL

$18.12 - $23.95/hr

The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support for assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors. MAJOR RESPONSIBITIES: * Provide individualized support to ...

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How much do special needs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for special needs assistant in the United States is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to work with special needs?

To work as a Special Needs Assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some regions require completion of specialized training or certification in special education or caregiving. Relevant skills include patience, communication, and the ability to work with diverse needs, often supported by background checks and first aid certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Needs Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Needs Assistant, you need a solid understanding of child development, experience working with individuals with disabilities, and often a relevant qualification such as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) certificate or equivalent. Familiarity with assistive technologies, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and basic first aid is typically required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and effective relationships with students and colleagues. These abilities are crucial for supporting diverse learning needs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring the well-being and progress of students with special needs.

How to be a special needs assistant?

To become a special needs assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require additional training or certification in special education or caregiving. Relevant skills include patience, communication, and the ability to work with children or individuals with disabilities. Some positions may also require background checks and experience working in educational or healthcare settings.

What skills do you need to be a special needs assistant?

A special needs assistant needs strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work collaboratively with students, families, and educators. They should have a good understanding of child development, behavior management, and often require relevant certifications or training in special education or first aid. Adaptability and empathy are essential for supporting students with diverse needs in educational settings.

What is the highest paid assistant job?

Among assistant roles, executive assistants and administrative assistants with specialized skills or experience often earn the highest salaries. In some cases, executive assistants supporting top executives or working in high-demand industries can earn over $70,000 annually, especially with additional certifications or advanced organizational skills.

What is the difference between Special Needs Assistant vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectSpecial Needs AssistantTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsOften requires a relevant qualification or certification in special education or supportTypically requires a general education qualification; some roles prefer specific certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in special education classrooms, supporting students with disabilitiesIn general classrooms, assisting teachers and supporting student learning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in schools with special education programsCommon across various school settings, including mainstream classrooms
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles supporting students with special needsCompared for general classroom support roles

Special Needs Assistants focus on supporting students with disabilities in specialized settings, requiring specific training. Teaching Assistants provide general classroom support across various subjects and environments. While both roles assist teachers, Special Needs Assistants have a specialized focus on students with special needs.

What are Special Needs Assistants?

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are professionals who support teachers in schools by assisting students with disabilities or special educational needs. Their primary role is to help these students access the curriculum, participate in school activities, and develop their social and life skills. SNAs provide individualized support, such as helping with mobility, communication, and personal care, depending on each student's unique requirements. They work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Special Needs Assistants in the classroom, and how can they be addressed?

Special Needs Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing diverse student needs, supporting individualized education plans, and balancing attention among multiple students. These can be addressed by maintaining open communication with teachers, using adaptive strategies tailored to each student, and participating in regular training sessions. Collaborating closely with educational teams and seeking feedback helps Special Needs Assistants adapt to evolving classroom dynamics and provide the best possible support.
More about Special Needs Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Special Needs Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Special Needs Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Needs jobs? The most popular types of Special Needs jobs are:
What states have the most Special Needs Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Needs Assistant jobs include:
Special Needs Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Needs Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,674 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Special Needs Asssistant

Special Needs Asssistant

Springfield Urban League

Springfield, IL • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY: The position of Special Needs Assistant regardless of race, creed, or disability, will assist the classroom team by attending to the special needs of an assigned child using positive reinforcement of the classroom rules. The Special Needs Assistant will also carry out the developmental plan to help the child learn to control himself or herself with little assistance of the Special Needs Assistant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Sign in and out upon arriving and departing from any Head Start Site.
  1. Works with assigned child implementing the goals established for that child under the direction of the classroom Teacher, Site Manager, and Special Services Coordinator.
  1. Must be able to contribute to the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of the child that he/she is working with.
  1. Conduct screenings and other assignments assigned by Special Services Coordinator.
  1. Ability to pass all DCFS requirements.
  1. Meets with Special Services Coordinator and Site Manager to discuss their assigned child and receive additional training.
  1. Attend specific trainings to continue to broaden their knowledge of children with special needs.
  1. Contribute to maintaining full compliance of the Performance Standards.
  1. Bus Monitor duties.
  1. Keep accurate and complete notes on the special needs child.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Must possess an Associate degree in a related field and two years of experience with special needs children.
  1. Previous experience with special needs children.
  1. Ability to pass medical exam certifying freedom of communicable diseases and illegal substances.
  1. Must be able to work well with children, families, staff and others.
  1. Must be able to organize time and materials effectively.
  1. Obtain/maintain First Aid/CPR Certification.
  1. Obtain/maintain CDA Credential.
  1. Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
  1. Must have positive attitude toward direction.
  1. Must be in good physical health.
  1. The employee is expected at work on scheduled workdays, during scheduled work hours and to report to work on time.


Benefits:

Medical, Dental and Vision

Short-term and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program.

The Springfield Urban League, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


8:00am-4:30pm
Monday-Friday