Paraprofessional - Significant Support Needs

Englewood Schools • Denver, CO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional supports teachers in meeting students’ behavioral, instructional, medical, and health needs in a center-based program. Students may need substantial adult assistance with activities of daily living and access to education. The role also includes clerical tasks, student supervision and redirection, and providing teachers with feedback about individual student performance and needs. Bus supervision during morning and afternoon routes may be required.

The paraprofessional provides individualized or small-group instruction and supports students in completing assignments using IEP accommodations and modifications. Under teacher direction, the role includes implementing instructional strategies, preparing materials, organizing the classroom, and collecting progress data. The paraprofessional implements behavior plans, supports social skills, uses approved de-escalation techniques, and communicates with teachers and other staff about student progress and needs while maintaining confidentiality.

Personal-care responsibilities may include toileting, diapering, feminine hygiene, feeding support, and safe mobility, transfers, and positioning as directed by applicable specialists. The role also facilitates AAC or PECS use, delivers modified curriculum sessions under the Special Educator’s direction, and uses prompting and scaffolding strategies with an emphasis on building student independence. Other duties include supervising students in different settings, maintaining a safe learning environment, attending required professional development, and performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or obtain them within the first 60 days of employment.
• English fluency, assessed through the interview process.
• Computer and technology skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to collaborate with supervisors and coworkers and communicate effectively with the School District community.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Skills in analysis, instruction, negotiation, coordination, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions.
• Ability to compare, compute, synthesize, and evaluate information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, comply with District policies and applicable laws, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Frequent jogging or running and lifting 10–20 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 150 pounds with assistance; frequent sitting, bending, walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.
• Ongoing employment is conditional upon successful clearance of the job-related medical form (STU11).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Bilingual Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized or small-group instruction reinforcing concepts taught by the teacher.
• Assist students with assignments using accommodations and modifications specified in their IEPs.
• Implement instructional strategies and techniques as directed by the teacher, using varied methods and materials to meet individual learning styles.
• Prepare instructional materials and assist with classroom organization.
• Collect and record student progress data as directed by the teacher.
• Implement behavior management plans and strategies to support positive behavior and social skills.
• Use approved techniques to de-escalate challenging behaviors and provide emotional support and encouragement.
• Monitor student behavior and report it to the teacher.
• Communicate with the supervising teacher about student progress, challenges, and needs; collaborate with teachers, service providers, and other staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and communicate with parents or guardians as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with toileting, diapering, and feminine hygiene while maintaining student dignity.
• Provide feeding support, including specialized feeding protocols, G-tube monitoring if trained, or use of specialized utensils.
• Carry out safe lifting, transferring, and positioning protocols as directed by PT/OT, including use of standers, gait trainers, and wheelchairs.
• Facilitate student use of AAC devices or PECS throughout the school day.
• Lead small-group or individual modified-curriculum sessions using Access Skills, such as Extended Evidence Outcomes, under the Special Educator’s direction.
• Use physical, gestural, or verbal prompts and scaffolding, with a focus on fading prompts to promote independence.
• Supervise students in settings such as the classroom, playground, cafeteria, and potentially on the bus during morning and afternoon routes.
• Maintain a safe and organized learning environment.
• Attend required professional development and perform other duties as assigned.
• Meet attendance standards and work the necessary hours to fulfill essential responsibilities.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) pre-tax savings options, including monthly District contributions for HSA.
• District-paid short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling and support services.
• Wellness programs.
• Retirement plan through the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA).
• Additional retirement savings options including 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
• Optional voluntary life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, cancer, and accident plans.

What This Job Offers

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