Special Education Paraprofessional - Significant Support Needs

About the Role

Under the direction of a principal or assistant principal, Paraprofessionals assist the classroom teacher, special education teacher, or provider with the supervision and instruction of students according to the student's IEP.

Receives direct supervision from the preschool director, principal, or assistant principal, and day-to-day direction from the classroom teacher, special education teacher, or special service provider.

Responsibilities

• Under teacher direction, provide support in all areas of the classroom; assist with classroom instruction and classroom management.
• Assist and support the teacher in carrying out class rules and expectations to maintain a productive learning environment.
• Assist in covering the class when the teacher is involved in assisting another student or out of the classroom.
• Assist the teacher in enforcing expectations for appropriate classroom behavior and, if needed, provide clear consequences for inappropriate behavior.
• Provide adequate supervision of students at all times; escort, assist, and supervise students in the hallways, lunchroom, playgrounds, or outside areas and at school assemblies.
• Assist in proctoring tests.
• Assist the teacher with preparing and organizing instructional materials.
• Conduct small group and individual instruction according to the teacher's lesson plans.
• Assist and support students in routine classroom housekeeping responsibilities.
• Report to work on time and accurately record time worked.
• Monitor student progress and communicate progress to students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

Additional Duties for Special Education Paraprofessionals

• Administer, under supervision, assistance to children needing medical support (e.g., tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.).
• Adapt classroom work under the direction of the teacher or special service provider/case manager.
• Under direction from the case manager, implement plans to meet the student's social and daily living skills.
• Implement, under teacher direction, instructional programs in accordance with the IEP.
• Monitor individual students in the classroom, library, hallways, playground, or other outside areas.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Classroom management
• Basic knowledge of Standards-Based Education
• Children with special health care needs
• Age-appropriate activities
• Stages of child development
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Modern office procedures and methods
• Basic computer knowledge

Abilities

• Perform clerical duties such as filing and copying
• Work efficiently with a service-oriented attitude under stressful situations with constant interruption
• Effectively manage time and multiple responsibilities
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Monitor and record student data

Physical Requirements

• Lift and move individuals weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, with the potential to lift heavier weights with the assistance of lifting equipment like a Hoyer lift.
• Bend, squat, kneel, and reach to assist with transfers and other physical tasks.
• Use proper lifting techniques (e.g., bending at the knees, keeping a wide base of support, engaging core muscles).
• Use assistive devices such as a Hoyer lift for heavier individuals.
• Perform other physically demanding tasks like pushing wheelchairs, standing for long periods, and assisting with mobility activities.
• Assist severely disabled students with personal hygiene and grooming functions such as toileting, feeding, tube feeding, and/or suctioning.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• To be highly qualified, the paraprofessional must pass the paraprofessional test or possess an associate's degree in any field of study.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $21.88 - $27.10 per hour based on experience.

Schedule

Full time, 37.5 hours per week.

Benefits

• Full district-paid employee health benefits.
• Voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage.
• Paid personal and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave for mothers and fathers.
• Robust retirement plan under Colorado PERA with a district contribution of over 21.4% of an employee's wages each month.
• Employee Assistance programs.
• Access to discounted ski passes and other community benefits.

About Roaring Fork School District (RFSD)

The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) serves 5,600 students across 14 schools in the culturally vibrant and naturally stunning Roaring Fork Valley, including the communities of Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Basalt. The district values teachers as its most important asset, offering:

• A true teacher voice in decision-making.
• Clear and collaborative leadership.
• A highly competitive and progressive salary schedule.
• Access to an affordable housing program.
• A culture of self-care and well-being.

The district embraces diversity as a strength and supports staff in making a real difference for students from varied ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.