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

Douglas County School District•Parker, CO

8d•$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 role 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 position also develops and promotes good community relations among community members and school clientele. The role supports students across settings, including general education environments, and collaborates with the Special Education Teacher to implement IEP goals. Duties include assistance with mobility, positioning, transfers, delegated health procedures, daily living skills, communication methods, and safety. Work involves typical classroom noise in an environment described as mostly clean and comfortable. The position is based at Iron Horse Elementary, is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week and 180 work days per year, and has an FTE of 0.94. The position is regular and is not one year only.

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, safety, and 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; occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, and standing are also required.
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, in accordance with 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 ensure safety and prevent injury.
Support implementation of students’ IEP goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academic, functional, communication, social, and vocational goals.
Support students with SSN across settings, including general education environments, by facilitating accommodations, reinforcing instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies.
Assist students with daily living and functional skills, including dressing, feeding, trained and delegated G-tube feeding, toileting or diapering, and personal hygiene.
Help students use communication methods such as sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
Develop and promote good community relations among community members and school clientele.