Special Education Assistant @ Harvard Elementary School, LAUSD

Special Education Paraprofessional

Employer: Harvard Elementary School – Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-time (6–7 hours per day)

Work Days: Monday through Friday

Daily Work Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Work Location: In person

School Website: https://harvardes.lausd.org/

Job Description

Harvard Elementary School is seeking a dependable, compassionate, patient, and flexible Special Education Paraprofessional to support students with autism and other disabilities in an elementary school setting.

This position requires an individual who can work effectively with multiple students, respond calmly to challenging behaviors, and adapt quickly to changing classroom needs. The ideal candidate is proactive, attentive, a strong team player, and committed to maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND meet at least ONE of the following requirements:

• Completion of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units from a recognized college or university; OR
• Possession of an associate degree or higher from a recognized college or university.

Applicants must meet these minimum educational requirements to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students with disabilities, including students with autism and significant support needs.
• Support students exhibiting challenging behaviors, including emotional dysregulation, elopement (running away), biting, hitting, kicking, and other unsafe behaviors.
• Diaper change students from TK-5th grade students
• Respond calmly and effectively to behavioral challenges using approved de-escalation strategies and behavior intervention plans.
• Actively supervise students to maintain safety in classrooms, playgrounds, and other school settings.
• Work with multiple students with varying needs and provide individualized support as directed.
• Demonstrate flexibility, multitask, and quickly transition between students, responsibilities, and classroom assignments as needed.
• Assist students with classroom routines, academic activities, transitions, and daily living skills as assigned.
• Collaborate with teachers, school staff, and support personnel to implement individualized student supports.
• Maintain a professional, positive, and patient attitude, particularly during challenging situations.
• Follow school safety procedures and maintain student confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Previous experience working with students with autism, special education needs, or challenging behaviors.
• Knowledge of positive behavior interventions, de-escalation techniques, and classroom behavior management.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in stressful situations.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative, follow directions, and work independently when appropriate.
• Ability to multitask and adjust quickly to different students and responsibilities.
• Strong attendance, punctuality, and dependability.
• Willingness to participate in training related to special education, behavior management, and student safety.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to actively supervise students throughout the school day.
• Ability to move throughout classrooms and school grounds and respond promptly to student safety concerns, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Comfort working in an active environment where student needs and assignments may change throughout the day.
• Ability to follow approved safety and behavioral intervention procedures.

Work Schedule

• Position: Full-time, 6–7 hours per day
• Days: Monday through Friday
• Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Harvard Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit:

• A current resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references from previous supervisors, including each supervisor's name, job title, organization, phone number, and email address.

Please submit your resume and three supervisory references through Indeed for consideration.

Only applicants meeting the minimum educational qualifications will be considered.

We are looking for a dedicated team member who prioritizes student safety, demonstrates patience and flexibility, and is committed to helping students succeed.

Learn more about our school: https://harvardes.lausd.org/

Employment is subject to applicable LAUSD hiring requirements and procedures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.65 - $29.66 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent,

and ONE of the following:

(1) Completion of 48 semester units or 72 quarter units from a recognized college or university
(2) Possession of an associate or higher degree from a recognized college or university

Note: A passing score on the CBEST may substitute for the District Proficiency Test

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Los Angeles, CA 90004 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Los Angeles, CA 90004: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person