SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT
About the role
To provide a safe and learning environment for children, nurture a positive work environment that conducts students to the optimal growth and development. To interpret the philosophy of Denver Public Schools to faculty, staff, parents, visitors and the community. To ensure compliance of School District and Colorado Department of Human Services policies.
Responsibilities
- Provide care, support, and supervision to students during Discovery Link programming.
- Follow any IEP requirements and provide small group or 1:1 services as needed.
- Maintains and facilitates open communication with parents, staff and students.
- Interact positively with parents and refer questions and concerns to the Supervisor when needed and appropriate.
- Maintain a punctual, reliable schedule during program hours.
- Follow staff conduct guidelines outlined in the staff handbook.
- Perform facility maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned and needed.
- Follow the general daily schedule for the program.
- Maintain appropriate standards for children’s behavior following the discipline guidelines as outlined in the staff handbook; use the discipline log when necessary.
- Maintain the accident log and complete accident reports, with assistance from the supervisor, as required by Denver Public Schools and or child care licensing.
- Maintain licensing ratio for staff to child.
- Provide careful supervision of play areas to ensure children’s safety.
- Aid in planning program curriculum.
- Attend all orientations, trainings and staff meetings.
Requirements
- Must pass a CBI (Colorado) and FBI (Federal) background check.
- Must have at least three (3) months (or 460 hours) of satisfactory and verifiable work experience with school-age children -OR-a college degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education or related field.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be able to become First Aid, CPR and Standard Precautions certified.
- Ability to relate positively to children and adults.
- Ability to build relationships and partnerships with diverse people and organizations; strong collaboration skills.
- Flexible, self-motivated individual.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
Qualifications
- HS Diploma or Equivalent.
- Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
- Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
- Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.
Skills
- Knowledge of Colorado Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations.
- Ability to maintain open communication with parents, staff, and students.
- Ability to build relationships and partnerships with diverse people and organizations.
- Flexibility and self-motivation.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
Benefits
DPS offers a competitive compensation package, including time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. Additional benefits may include:
- Time off
- Health and wellness benefits
- PERA Retirement
Pay
$22.50 hourly rate
Schedule
Before and after school; hours vary, approximately 6:15am-9:00am and/or 2:00-6:00pm
Denver Public Schools
DPS is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students. DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth.