Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

Douglas County School District•Parker, CO

3d•$20 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, the Educational Assistant provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN), including students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and possible physical, health, or medical impairments. As a member of the special education team, the assistant supports functional, academic, and life skills instruction; assists with personal care and medical needs; and promotes student safety, engagement, and independence in a structured, supportive learning environment. The role also develops and promotes good community relations among community members and school clientele. The position is based at Sierra Middle School and is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week over approximately 180 work days. It is a regular position with an FTE of 0.94. The listed hire rate is $19.84–$25.20 per hour, with a full salary range of $19.84–$30.55 per hour; salary amounts are based on a 1.0 FTE. The role involves supporting students’ functional and life skills, implementing IEP goals, assisting with personal care and delegated health procedures, and using specialized mobility and communication equipment. Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs, is preferred.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for implementing IEPs, health plans, and behavior protocols with high fidelity.
Strong commitment to student dignity and safety, and to promoting the maximum level of independence for all students.
Willingness and ability to assist students with personal care, toileting, and mobility, including lifting and transferring with appropriate training and assistance.
Ability to occasionally lift 40 to 70 pounds.
Ability to frequently bend, stand, sit, and walk.
Ability to occasionally reach, kneel, bend, squat, and stand.
Ability to run short distances.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs.

Responsibilities

Assist with student positioning, transfers, and mobility using specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, and standers.
Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, which may include seizure monitoring, emergency medication administration, or basic first aid, following required training and protocols.
Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment and materials used for personal care and instruction.
Closely supervise students during transitions, outdoor activities, and mealtimes to help ensure safety and prevent injury.
Support implementation of students’ IEP goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academics, functional skills, communication, social skills, and vocational training.
Support students with Significant Support Needs across settings, including general education environments, by ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies.
Assist students with daily living and functional skills, including dressing, feeding, toileting or diapering, and personal hygiene; provide G-tube feeding as trained and delegated.
Help students use communication methods and tools, including sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.