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Sped Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Sped Assistant information

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$10

$19

$26

How much do sped assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for sped assistant in Oregon is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sped assistant?

Sped Assistants, also known as Special Education Assistants or paraprofessionals, are support staff who work under the supervision of special education teachers to assist students with disabilities in educational settings. They help implement individualized education plans (IEPs), provide academic and behavioral support, and assist with daily classroom activities. Their role may also include helping students with personal care, mobility, and communication, ensuring students receive equal opportunities to learn and participate. Sped Assistants play a vital role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sped assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sped Assistant, you need a solid understanding of special education practices, child development, and often at least a high school diploma or relevant coursework in education. Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assistive technology, and classroom management systems is typically required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are crucial for supporting students with diverse needs and collaborating with teachers and parents. These skills and qualities are vital for creating an inclusive learning environment and helping students reach their full potential.

What are some common challenges a sped assistant faces when supporting students with diverse needs, and how are these typically addressed?

Sped Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a variety of learning and behavioral needs, adapting instructional materials, and balancing support among multiple students. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing collaboration with special education teachers, participating in regular training sessions, and maintaining open communication with the educational team. Flexibility, patience, and a willingness to learn new strategies are key qualities that help Sped Assistants succeed in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Sped Assistant vs Paraprofessional?

AspectSped AssistantParaprofessional
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; often similar requirements
Work EnvironmentSpecial education classrooms, assisting students with disabilitiesVarious settings including classrooms, support roles, and general education
Employer & IndustrySchools, districts, special education programsSchools, educational institutions, sometimes in healthcare or community programs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles supporting students with disabilities

Both Sped Assistants and Paraprofessionals work in educational settings supporting students, especially those with special needs. While their credentials are similar, Sped Assistants typically focus specifically on assisting in special education classrooms, whereas Paraprofessionals may work in a broader range of educational or support roles. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to become a special education assistant?

To become a special education assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as paraprofessional or teacher assistant credentials. Experience working with children with special needs and strong communication skills are also important; some positions may require additional training or coursework in special education methods.

What does a special education assistant do?

A special education assistant supports students with disabilities by helping them with daily activities, implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), and assisting teachers in managing classroom behavior. They often work closely with students, use communication tools, and may require training or certification in special education support. Their role ensures students receive appropriate educational assistance in a classroom setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sped jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Sped jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Sped Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Sped Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Sped Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,889 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

BHS Special Education Assistant 2026-27

Bandon, OR • On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sped Assistant

Supervisor: Principal

Job Classification: Non Exempt

Summary: Educational Assistants provide assistance in the work of the school under the leadership and supervision of teachers, coordinators, and administrators. The primary services of the assistant are to help provide greater individualization of instruction through interactions with students and assuming routine supervision, repetitive clerical and material handling tasks conducted in an efficient manner thereby enabling the teacher and administrators to devote more time and energy to the primary task of teaching students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

All or some of the following tasks may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Experience working with children or adults who have special needs
  • Ability to work and interact with students with significant mental and physical disabilities
  • Knowledge of special skills required to work with students having special needs
  • Ability to demonstrate patience while working with students
  • Excellent human relations skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to work as a team
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Provide assistance to students as they complete vocational experiences in the school setting (as well as in the community for high school classes)
  • Assist the teacher in providing instruction to students in small groups
    Assist the teacher in providing instruction to students in a 1:1 setting, as necessary
  • Work cooperatively with teachers and administrators.
  • Perform classroom and school procedures rapidly and accurately.
  • Understand and maintain school, staff, student and parent confidentiality.
  • Spell correctly and use proper English.
  • Effectively utilize technology to assist in routine clerical work.
  • Perform physical tasks as required.
  • Make accurate mathematical calculations when requested.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with students and staff members.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Assist teachers and administrators.
  • Follow and carry out oral and written directions with speed and accuracy.
  • Perform student supervision as assigned.
  • Provide and secure instructional materials as needed by teachers or students.
  • Assist in the production of instructional materials.
  • Record grades, score exams and/or written work when provided with a key.
  • Assist individual student and small or large groups of students as assigned by administration or the teacher.
  • Utilize the chain of command procedure when attempting to resolve problems or when seeking changes.
  • Participate in appropriate professional development activities.
  • Comply with all Board policies, administrative regulations and District procedures, as well as all state, federal and local laws and regulations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by teacher or administration.

Qualifications:

(1) All educational assistants or others employed or contracted in that capacity must:

(a) Have a high school diploma or the equivalent;

(b) Be at least 18 years of age; and

(c) Have standards of moral character as required of teachers (OAR 584-005-0005).

(2) In addition to the qualifications listed in section (1) of this rule, educational assistants providing translation services must have demonstrated proficiency and fluency, knowledge of and the ability to provide accurate translations from a language other than English into English and from English into a language other than English.

  • Must have exceptional personal integrity, maturity, collaborative skills and personal interest in working with students, staff, parents and the community.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, see, hear, walk and sometimes sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 pounds. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed materials, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level of the environment is moderate to loud. Work is predominately inside and generally provides protection from the weather but not necessarily from temperature changes. Some outside duties are required. Occasionally required to ascend or descend stairs or similar uneven surfaces. May be exposed to communicable diseases and blood-borne pathogens.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and work year to be in accordance with the current schedule.

 EVALUATION:

All classified employees will be formally evaluated by their immediate supervisor at least twice during their first year of employment and at least once each year thereafter. (Policy GCN/GDN)

All past and present position descriptions that do not reflect current requirements of this position are rescinded.