Hours/day: 6.5
Work calendar days: 186
Duration of position: Ongoing
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, physical and behavioral support for students with mild to moderate physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, other health impairments, and/or special needs so they may fully participate in class activities with access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with classroom work, personal care, social skills, self-determination, and/or self-awareness. Assist both the special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials and clerical skills. Ensure access to accommodations within the general education setting. Assist in monitoring student progress and tailor assignments to individual student needs, progress, and behaviors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist the general classroom or special education teacher in delivering targeted instruction, reteaching complex concepts, and reinforcing learning skills in individual or small groups. Accommodate instructional materials to support diverse student needs, including those with learning challenges.
Independently support students within the general education and special education settings by guiding classroom assignments, assessments, and larger academic projects. Implement behavior intervention strategies to address social, emotional, and academic needs, ensuring student success.
Proactively manage student behavior, including de-escalation techniques for physical aggression and self-regulation coaching. Support students in developing appropriate social interactions and emotional coping strategies, often in high-stress situations.
Work closely with teachers, caseworkers, mental health professionals, and other staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral strategies, ensuring seamless support for students with diverse needs.
Provide vigilant supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., breaks, lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal) including line of sight supervision when necessary. Enforce safety protocols, assist with crisis response, and serve as a second adult during high-risk situations.
Assist students with mobility, personal care, hygiene, and health-related needs, including restroom support, feeding, and positioning, as required. Use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure student dignity and independence.
Independently adjust instructional materials based on the student's IEP to accommodate students with disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Utilize assistive technology and alternative communication methods as needed.
Take responsibility for tracking and recording student progress, behavior incidents, and intervention outcomes. Assist with instructional planning, grading, attendance, and data collection to support individualized student success plans.
Attend and actively participate in high-level training sessions and school-wide initiatives to stay updated on instructional strategies, behavioral interventions, and legal compliance requirements.
Adapt quickly to changing student and classroom needs, including working with higher-needs students, filling in for absent staff, and managing multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
Support high-stakes initiatives, special projects, and urgent school-wide needs as directed by administration, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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 (
