26/27 Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional, Pathways Program, .9375 FTE

Durango School District 9-R•Durango, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Special Education Instructional Paraprofessional in the Pathways Program. The Pathways Program serves students who are 18- 21 years of age in our community based Pathways to Independence Program. Must have experience and interest in working with students with various disability types such as: serious emotional disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, and physical disabilities. Position starts each day at 8:00 am Monday - Friday a total of 37.5 hours per week. This position works with the Pathways Program Monday-Thursday, on Friday this position is based at another school in Durango. Includes full benefits. Begins August 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic Skills Competence (Minimum 2 years of college ,e.g. associates degree, or 48 semester hours of college coursework) OR Pass paraprofessional test (CDE and ESSA qualifications) prior to being hired.
CPR and First Aid training preferred at hire; required within three months of hire.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within three months of hire.
Colorado driver’s license and school district small vehicle operator permit may be required for some positions.
Criminal Background Check required for hire.
Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills
Consultation skills
Ability to assist in developing and support the behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems
Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners
Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis
Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities
Experience in data collection and data analysis
Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings.
Non-violent and physical intervention techniques
Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures.
Ability to grow and develop knowledge, skills, and attitude through professional development.
Knowledge of first aide skills
Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers.
Operating knowledge of assistive technology for communication preferred.
Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

Nice To Haves

Experience and interest in working with students with various disability types such as: serious emotional disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities, and physical disabilities.
Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring.

Responsibilities

Support instructional programs and provide instructional assistance for students in individual, small, and large group settings.
Assist in facilitating the execution of Individualized Education Plans for students under the direction of licensed staff.
Implement approved modifications and/or accommodations of curriculum.
Supervise and facilitate students in the classroom and a variety of settings that may include the lunchroom, playground, to/from buses, cross walks, field trips, extra-curricular activities, or on-the-job training.
Enforces district policies regarding behaviors and discipline to help correct behavioral problems and assist in meeting student behavioral goals.
Facilitate crisis intervention and assist students with problem solving techniques and conflict resolution.
Assist students in performing daily routines. May include getting to and from class and bus stops, using toilets, diapering, feeding, medical needs and personal hygiene. May include working with trach, feeding tubes, and catheterization.
Assist with student mobility as directed by the IEP and student need.
Facilitate and encourage speech and language development. May use alternative language such as sign language or voice activated computer systems.
Implement specialized therapy programs; work directly with therapists on physical progress and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
Assist with documenting when a student meets with therapist.
Collaborate and communicate with other special and regular educators and administrators with regard to academic and behavioral issues and observations.
Provide suggestions, feedback and support to building staff, administrators, parents and outside agencies regarding effective strategies for facilitating learning.
Assist the licensed staff by helping with data collection, updating records and documentation while helping maintain student files and class records.
Maintain compliance with confidentiality laws including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)
Assist with sanitizing, disinfecting, and cleaning the learning environment.
Attend and participate in district and building in-service opportunities and committee work.
Engage in ongoing professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.