Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program

Douglas County School District • Grand Junction, CO

2d • $20 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Affective Needs (AN), who exhibit complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. As a critical member of the special education team, is primarily responsible for implementing crisis intervention strategies, facilitating emotional regulation, and fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

Requirements

• High School or Equivalent (Required)
• First Aid & CPR Certification - American Heart Association
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, objective, and effective during student crises or high-stress behavioral situations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills, with an emphasis on therapeutic and non-judgmental communication.
• Willingness and ability to complete required training in crisis management and maintain physical certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Implement student-specific crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity, adhering to established protocols (e.g., Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - CPI).
• Provide consistent and calm support to students during moments of emotional distress or behavioral crisis, facilitating a return to regulation.
• Assist students with developing and utilizing social-emotional learning (SEL) and coping skills, and support their appropriate use of a sensory/safe room or designated therapeutic space.
• Implement student-specific Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), focusing on proactive strategies and teaching replacement behaviors.
• Collect and maintain accurate daily data on student behavior and emotional progress as required by the IEP team.
• Maintain a high level of situational awareness to proactively identify and address escalating behaviors in the classroom and throughout the school.
• Collaborate closely with the Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Counselor, Social Worker, and other mental health professionals to ensure a unified approach to student support.
• Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of all students, responding effectively to all safety and crisis concerns.
• Respect confidentiality regarding student needs and abilities.
• Assist the Special Education Teacher with the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to social, emotional, and academic development.
• Support students in accessing the curriculum, completing assignments, and managing the demands of the school environment, including tasks that are modified or accommodated based on the IEP.
• Facilitate restorative practices and social skills groups as directed by the teacher or school mental health professionals.
• Support students' successful transition and integration into the general education setting by providing scaffolding and emotional support.

Benefits

• health
• vision
• dental
• health savings account (HSA)
• flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• short and long-term disability
• critical illness and accident voluntary insurance
• employee assistance program (EAP)
• voluntary 401(k)
• 403(b)
• 457 retirement plan options
• paid sick and personal time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED