Special Educational Needs Assistant

We are seeking a candidate with strong collaboration and interpersonal skills. Experience working with students on the autism spectrum and with developmental disabilities, and using varied communication methods, is valued. Tasks are located in classrooms where instruction follows activity-based curricula. Classrooms house six students in groups 2–6. Teaching occurs in a classroom team with one teacher and five teaching assistants. Responsibilities include guiding and supporting students during the school day in learning, communication and daily activities. The position is 29 hours per week, with a workload percentage of 75.82%. Renkomäen school is housed in the new Auraha multipurpose building. We learn to fly safely together and value each individual, encouraging growth. The school has over 400 students in general education groups (grades 1–6) and in supported learning groups (grades 1–9). There are 17 general education groups and seven supported-learning groups. The building also houses Renkomäen library and early childhood education for Renkomäen day care. After-school activities are available. The facilities enable flexible teaching arrangements and adaptable spaces. The whole school has around 480 children and about 100 staff. We expect the applicant to have at least a suitable secondary-level qualification (e.g., a specialisation in working with children and youth in school support, youth worker or child/youth special education) or a special vocational qualification for teaching assistants. In addition to education, a willingness and ability to cooperate and to work in shared spaces is valued. Interpersonal skills, flexibility and suitability for the work community influence the decision. The successful candidate must present a criminal background check as required by law (504/2002). A drug test certificate may be requested. A four-month probation applies. During school holiday periods the employer does not assign work; holidays are paid leave. Applications through the Kuntarekry.fi system by 24 August 2026 at 9:00. Welcome to peek into the daily life of our staff. Lahden kaupungin työnantajana offers a range of personnel benefits including wellness support (fitness, culture, and wellbeing benefits), commuter travel benefit, and meal allowances. Basic education services of Lahti City form part of the Education department. The Education department is undergoing renewal, values expertise, and fosters active collaboration. There are about 10,000 students and around 1,200 teachers and teaching assistants in 20 schools.