SpEd Paraprofessional - Significant Support Needs (SSN)

Academy School District 20•Colorado Springs, CO

13h•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The SpEd Paraprofessional supports special education students in day-to-day learning activities under the supervision of a teacher. The role does not make diagnostic or long-term educational decisions. Assignments may take place in traditional or non-traditional learning environments, including school buildings and off-campus worksites. The paraprofessional supports the principal and classroom teachers in implementing Significant Support Needs (SSN) programs and promoting a positive, safe learning environment. The position also assists licensed special education teachers, occupational and physical therapists, nurses, and other evaluative staff in implementing goals for students with severe or profound disabilities. This position addresses current student needs at Chinook Trail Elementary School. If student or program needs change, the employee may be required to move to another school during the school year. Duties may be modified or changed by the district. The position is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day, for 176 Monday–Friday days per year. Compensation is $21.02–$22.07. The role is full-time regular and non-exempt. The estimated start date is October 27, 2026.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with students and adults in varied settings.
Computer proficiency, including office productivity applications and the ability to use software systems to create, retrieve, and manage information.
Ability to establish and maintain accurate records, document management, and filing systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and understand data privacy laws and their implications for the educational community.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions, work independently, manage simultaneous demands, set priorities, and adapt to new technologies and equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and professions.
Commitment to students’ education and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Knowledge of office methods and procedures, district policies and functions, and special education programming and relevant legal requirements as related to assigned students.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, listening, written, verbal communication, collaborative, and problem-solving skills; detail orientation and effective time management.
Ability to work in a student-centered, relationship-focused manner and promote a positive climate and community.
Willingness to attend professional learning and ongoing training, including CO-TOP opportunities, OT-PT training, student-specific training, and training in delegated nursing practices.
Ability to meet students’ physical and self-help needs, including toileting, feeding, dressing, and transfers; physically escort or restrain students in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds; safely lift 50 pounds each in a two-person lift; and potentially handle greater demands depending on assignment and student need.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or squat, climb stairs, ladders, or stools, and reach, grasp, turn, and operate equipment.

Responsibilities

Report consistently for scheduled work and perform other assigned duties.
Attain proficient or higher evaluations on established performance standards and obtain and maintain certifications needed to support students with special needs.
Assist with student meal preparation, feeding, lunch clean-up, and implementation of communication, oral motor, sensory integration, and physical IEP goals.
Carry out instructional programs and lessons in varied learning environments and reinforce teacher-introduced material with small groups under teacher supervision.
Assist students with delegated medical tasks, including medication, tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering, and suctioning; clean and disinfect bodily fluids and follow infectious disease control practices.
Work with confidential special education information and maintain student files and records.
Maneuver and secure wheelchairs; accompany students with mobility, dressing, toileting, and other physical tasks; and use physical therapy support equipment.
Provide initial first aid or emergency care and perform behavioral management using Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques when appropriate.
Monitor behavior contracts and reward systems; assist with non-standardized testing; collect assessment and monitoring data; and contribute information to student personnel evaluation teams as needed.
Develop and implement games and teaching aids; tutor students; assist with curriculum tasks, assignments, materials, equipment, and assisted technology.
Work with students individually and in groups, including in classrooms and community-based settings; coordinate assignments or job tasks with teachers and employers.
Support student activities including library work, story time, computer programs, recess, hall duty, passing periods, bus loading, swimming pools, weight rooms, and therapy pools as assigned.
Attend required pre-job training, ongoing training, and meetings, including training related to OT/PT, student-specific needs, and delegated nursing practices.
Maintain, order, and organize program materials and equipment; complete daily paperwork and other clerical duties; laminate materials; and prepare bulletin boards.
Work cooperatively with students, families, teachers, administrators, coworkers, and the public; follow instructions and maintain confidentiality.
Work the days, hours, locations, and assignments directed by the supervisor, including extended school/work hours or days when directed.