School Program provides a flexible and motivational educational experience through instruction and educational support to students up to age 18 with significant mental health needs during the course of their treatment. The educational impact to behavioral health children in a residential setting is mitigated by receiving ongoing educational services. Special Education, ELL and Related Services are also provided.

MESD and the MEA union are currently engaged in contract negotiations and the salary listed in this job posting reflects the rate for the 2023-24 school year. Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreement, salary adjustments will be made for the 2024-25 school year as applicable.

Position: Educational Assistant IB - Walden Crossing- Residential - Behavioral Health

Department: Instructional Services 

Program: Walden Crossing 

Reports to: Program Administrator

Classification/Range: Classified Represented/ Range 10

Schedule: 193 days per year, 8 hours per day

Interview Timeline: Mid-May 2024

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Provides educational and classroom assistance under the guidance of teachers, program administrators, and assists in carrying out instructional activities, promoting student safety and well-being, and reinforcing classroom programs.

NATURE & SCOPE: 

The primary distinguishing characteristic of the Educational Assistant IB classifications is the EA IB’s ability to provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting the supervision and instruction of special needs students, observing and documenting student progress, implementing plans for instruction and assisting students with special health needs. Duties are performed under risk of infection and injury and require work with students having intense learning and behavioral needs.  May work with high stress student or family situations. May involve restraining of students and frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds with occasional lifting of more weight.This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable State and Federal statutes.  This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Confers with teachers, supervisor and other colleagues to plan day-to-day routines, programs, student specific delegated healthcare, and special projects for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Performs MESD program related instructional, behavioral and other activities such as helping students with individualized educational plans (IEP, behavior, safety, etc.) and other related activities.
• Undertake delegated instructional tasks for individuals and small groups; assists with classroom assignments; and monitoring student activities in the classroom and other locations.
• May participate in parent-teacher conferences and/or assist teachers in reviewing student progress and programs.
• Performs instructional support tasks such as preparing worksheets, organizing materials, creating and posting bulletin boards, data collection and monitoring progress.
• Assists students with physical education, wellness, and other recreational activities.
• Participates in the implementation of student behavior plans for the purpose of ensuring effective and safe student learning. 
• Successfully complete necessary training (e.g., OIS, CPI, etc.), maintain required certifications, and demonstrate ability to implement program-adopted crisis prevention/intervention strategies to include the use of de-escalating procedures, physical interventions to avoid injuries and other safety protocols.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

Vision: Lead with vision and follow-through.

Trust: Develop trust among coworkers through honesty and fairness.

Communication: Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner.

Personal Qualities: Be respectful, caring and courageous.

Agency-wide perspective:Be involved in, and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

• Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers and programming outcomes. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES: 

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish preferred 
• Ability to follow directions and follow through on classroom plans.
• Maintain effective working relationships with teachers, other educational assistants, other MESD and local school district personnel, and other agency/facility partners.
• Ability to listen, make sound decisions on a day-to-day basis as well as during emergency or crisis situations, and effectively work with students in high stress environments.
• Good basic problem-solving with effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform data collection and recording tasks.
• Ability to physically perform assigned duties.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma and/or G.E.D
• Experience working with at-risk youth, students with behavioral health needs in alternative education learning environments
• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is based at a residential mental health setting and works with youth with behavioral health needs.

Work is performed in special education or alternative education environments. Work may involve implementing crisis prevention/intervention protocols, and may involve a risk of injury, abusive students, and other adverse conditions.

BENEFITS: 

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
• Two medical insurance plan options: 
• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to walk, climb, sit and/or stand for five (5) plus hours per day.
2. Ability to squat, crawl and or run occasionally as required to perform job duties. 

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be  considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned,  including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that  there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender,  sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status,  genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. 

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as  required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may  contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance.  Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.