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Job Title: Special Education Assistant [DCD] - (2026-2027) Dowling Elementary  and Requisition ID number: 104804

Close Date:  No established closing date;  open until filled

Organizational Unit:  Dowling Elementary (10000020) 

Site:  Dowling (0180) 

FTE:  78.75 FTE; 41 weeks; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  ESP(28) 

Functional Area:  Paraprofessional 

Salary Range:  $27.17-$30.75

Benefits:  Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.
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DCD

SUMMARY
Responsible for providing a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment; 
assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualization lessons and activities for students with 
disabilities; promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, as well as self-advocacy skills; helps
students to meet their therapy and education goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative 
duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. 
Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular 
attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited 
to, the following:

• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS; performs duties within 
scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of 
Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and 
productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, that is also sensitive to the 
individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students; works with students to improve personal skills 
and reinforce classroom learning.
• Assists students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces
positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization.
• Monitors student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates 
personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Monitors assigned students and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps 
records of student progress and activities.
• Maintains behavior documentation, written observations and anecdotal information files for Support and 
Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional 
Behavioral Assessments (FBA).
• Monitors work, corrects papers and transitions students for medications, meals, buses and classes.
• Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed 
staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school and leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares the classroom environment and material to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in 
classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS 
staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

CLASS DESIGNATIONS
Bilingual: Interpret and translate all information relating to the educational programming for students who 
have both Special Education and English Language Learner needs. Requires oral and written fluency in English 
and a second language and bicultural background. Work in conjunction with Special Education and regular 
education teachers.
o Special Education – Amharic
o Special Education – Cambodian
o Special Education – Hmong
o Special Education – Liberian
o Special Education – Oromo
o Special Education - Somali
o Special Education – Spanish
o Special Education – Tibetan
o Special Education - Vietnamese

Intervention SEA: Provides support in the least restrictive environment so that students can be successful in 
resource settings; ensures that Prevent, Teach, Reinforce behavior support plans are being implemented with 
fidelity for students in special education resource settings. Personal transportation is required as position may 
move from site to site.
SEA Cadre: Serve as a reserve/substitute Special Education Assistant. Employees in this unique group will be 
assigned on an emergency basis to support schools/programs in high need situations across disability areas. 
Personal transportation is required as position may move from site to site.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To successfully perform job, incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge 
and skills.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
• High School Diploma/GED; AND
• Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral 
Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; OR
• Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment; AND 
• Two (2) years of paid experience working with children; OR 
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources. 

Knowledge of: 
• Classroom policies, procedures and processes.
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs. 
• Basic principles of record keeping and records management.
• Computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations

Skill in:
• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions. 
• Reacting appropriately to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural 
backgrounds.
• Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. 
• Special Education Assistant Onboarding Training is required within sixty (60) days of date of employment.
• First Aid/CPR/AED, de-escalation and crisis response training, and Special Education Orientation is required within 
one (1) year of date of employment based on assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described herein 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. 
Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements; requires occasionally lifting 
such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects 
frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree and working with special 
needs children. Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds. Eligibility for position is based on passing the 
required pre-placement exam.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit: Educational Support Specialists
• Grade:                Group C
• FLSA Status:      Non-Exempt
• Job Group:         Student Support
• Revised:             September 9, 202

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee.  Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.
 
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
 
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | [No Established Closing Date]  | Dowling Elementary (10000020)  | Dowling (0180)  | Paraprofessional