Hours/day: 6.5
Work calendar days: 186
Duration of position: Remainder of the school year
Benefits include: Health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, short and long term disability, access to employee walk-in clinic, as well as other optional benefit elections.**
SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing instructional and physical support for students with significant support needs so that they may fully participate in class activities with access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with personal care, social skills and/or self-awareness. Assist both the special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials, clerical skills, and the monitoring of students.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist the general classroom or special education teacher by implementing instruction, reteaching concepts, and reinforcing learning skills for students with significant support needs. Adapt instructional materials to meet individual learning goals.
Implement behavior intervention strategies, de-escalate crises, and support students in managing emotional dysregulation. Respond to aggressive behaviors, self-harm risks, and other escalations with appropriate interventions to ensure student and staff safety.
Monitor students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., lunch, recess, field trips, arrival/dismissal). Enforce safety procedures, provide one-on-one supervision when needed, and assist in crisis situations, including physical interventions when required.
Provide hands-on support with hygiene, toileting, feeding (including spoon and tube feeding), catheterization, lifting, transferring, and mobility assistance. Follow individualized health care plans and collaborate with nursing staff for medical needs.
Independently accommodate students with significant disabilities, including those with communication, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Use assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, and alternative language techniques as needed.
Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and academic progress. Collect and input Medicaid and other required data, track individualized student goals, and assist with documentation for IEP meetings.
Work closely with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and other staff to implement behavior intervention plans, IEP goals, and crisis response strategies. Participate in problem-solving meetings and adjust support based on student needs.
Assist students in developing self-regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills. Encourage self advocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
Attend specialized training, including de-escalation techniques (e.g., CPI), behavior management, and medical delegation training. Participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities to enhance job skills.
Adjust quickly to student needs and situations, managing unpredictable behavior escalations, and responding to safety concerns. Work with students across multiple settings, including general education, special education, and community-based instruction. May cover schedules for paras pulled away for an urgent student situation.
Support school-wide safety protocols, participate in emergency response situations, and take on other responsibilities as required to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or equivalent
One year of related experience Experience working with special needs students preferred Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
If assigned to a Title I school, at least one of the following criteria is required
completion of at least two years of higher education
an associate's (or higher) degree
successful completion of the WorkKeys assessment?demonstrating?instructional competency within one year of hire
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:
Criminal background check required for hire
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) required within 3 months of hire
Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years of hire)
*Pay range listed above is for employees newly hired to PSD (existing employees please refer to the pay range on the appropriate salary schedule). PSD engages in a salary placement process vs. a salary negotiation process. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. All salaries are set by Human Resources based on a review of qualifications compared to the requirements on the job description; therefore listing all related education and experience on your application is recommended.
Poudre School District is dedicated to affirming respect, compassion, and acceptance for all, and we celebrate diversity with regard to all backgrounds and identities. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive work environments with employees who reflect our students and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. PSD is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply!
If you have a mental or physical impairment which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations during any portion of the application process, including testing and/or interviews, please contact us at ADA@psdschools.org{rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}. If requesting testing and/or interview accommodations, you must contact us at least three (3) working days before the interview or test date.**
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