2026-27 Paraprofessional I Special Education-Johnson Elementary School

IMDiversity; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 27,069 - 30,320; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

PERA retirement

Paid time off

Short and long term disability

Access to employee walk-in clinic

Other optional benefit elections

Job summary

Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a Paraprofessional Integrated Services I to support students with mild to moderate disabilities under the guidance of special education and general education staff. This non-exempt, 186-day position features a pay range of $19.65 to $22.01 per hour, 6 hours per day, and a benefits package including health, dental, life insurance and retirement.

The role emphasizes instructional support, behavior management, and collaboration to help

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with special needs students preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable

Responsibilities

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher in delivering targeted instruction and reinforcing learning in small groups.
• Independently support students by guiding assignments and projects; implement behavior intervention strategies.
• Proactively manage student behavior and de-escalation techniques.
• Work with teachers, caseworkers, and mental health professionals to implement IEPs.
• Provide supervision and enforce safety protocols across classrooms and transitions.

Skills

Oral & written communication

English language skills

Interpersonal skills

Math skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

2026-27 Paraprofessional I Special Education-Johnson Elementary School

Poudre School District

Johnson Elementary - Fort Collins, Colorado

Job Details

Job ID:5848367

Starting Date:Aug 14, 2026

Job Description

Information specific to this position: Special Education/Integrated Services

Pay Range: $19.65-$22.01 (min–12% above min)/hour, based on qualifications and experience*

Hours/day: 6

Work calendar days: 186

Duration of position: Ongoing

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• PERA retirement
• Paid time off
• Short and long term disability
• Access to employee walk-in clinic
• Other optional benefit elections

*Pay range listed above is for employees newly hired to PSD (existing employees please refer to the pay range on the appropriate salary schedule). PSD engages in a salary placement process vs. a salary negotiation process. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. All salaries are set by Human Resources based on a review of qualifications compared to the requirements on the job description; therefore listing all related education and experience on your application is recommended.

Poudre School District is dedicated to affirming respect, compassion, and acceptance for all, and we celebrate diversity with regard to all backgrounds and identities. We believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive work environments with employees who reflect our students and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. PSD is committed to finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Paraprofessional Integrated Services I FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Family: Classified - Instructional Support Pay Range: PT12H

Prepared/Revised Date: August 1, 2026 Job Code: 41606

SUMMARY: Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing instructional, physical and behavioral support for students with mild to moderate physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, other health impairments, and/or special needs so they may fully participate in class activities with access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with classroom work, personal care, social skills, self-determination, and/or self-awareness. Assist both the special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials and clerical skills. Ensure access to accommodations within the general education setting. Assist in monitoring student progress and tailor assignments to individual student needs, progress, and behaviors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist the general classroom or special education teacher in delivering targeted instruction, reteaching complex concepts, and reinforcing learning skills in individual or small groups. Accommodate instructional materials to support diverse student needs, including those with learning challenges.
2. Independently support students within the general education and special education settings by guiding classroom assignments, assessments, and larger academic projects. Implement behavior intervention strategies to address social, emotional, and academic needs, ensuring student success.
3. Proactively manage student behavior, including de-escalation techniques for physical aggression and self-regulation coaching. Support students in developing appropriate social interactions and emotional coping strategies, often in high-stress situations.
4. Work closely with teachers, caseworkers, mental health professionals, and other staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral strategies, ensuring seamless support for students with diverse needs.
5. Provide vigilant supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., breaks, lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal) including line of sight supervision when necessary. Enforce safety protocols, assist with crisis response, and serve as a second adult during high-risk situations.
6. Assist students with mobility, personal care, hygiene, and health-related needs, including restroom support, feeding, and positioning, as required. Use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure student dignity and independence.
7. Independently adjust instructional materials based on the student’s IEP to accommodate students with disabilities, including those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Utilize assistive technology and alternative communication methods as needed.
8. Take responsibility for tracking and recording student progress, behavior incidents, and intervention outcomes. Assist with instructional planning, grading, attendance, and data collection to support individualized student success plans.
9. Attend and actively participate in high-level training sessions and school-wide initiatives to stay updated on instructional strategies, behavioral interventions, and legal compliance requirements.
10. Adapt quickly to changing student and classroom needs, including working with higher-needs students, filling in for absent staff, and managing multiple priorities under minimal supervision.
11. Support high-stakes initiatives, special projects, and urgent school-wide needs as directed by administration, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One year of related experience
• Experience working with special needs students preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable
• If assigned to a Title I school, at least one of the following criteria is required
• completion of at least two years of higher education
• an associate’s (or higher) degree
• successful completion of the WorkKeys assessment demonstrating instructional competency within one year of hire

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS

• Criminal background check required for hire
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) required within 3 months of hire
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years of hire)

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Oral and written communication skills
• English language skills
• Interpersonal relations skills
• Mathematical skills including basic calculations and application of basic math concepts
• Bilingual oral and written communication skills may be required or preferred
• Ability and desire to work with students with various mild to moderate physical disabilities, emotional disabilities and special needs
• Ability to diffuse volatile student situations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions, use time efficiently, demonstrate attention to detail, follow instructions, and respond to management direction
• Ability to lift and transfer students, provide behavior supports including de-escalation and physical assistance, and follow health care procedures that could include feeding, personal care, etc.
• Ability to participate and work in a team environment
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all aspects of the job
• Ability and willingness to adhere to attendance requirements, including regular and punctual employee presence
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, administrative guidelines and building and department procedures
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE

• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals
• Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office and/or other department software packages
• Operating knowledge of and experience with standard office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE

• Reports to: School Administration
• Direct reports: This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Responsible for supervising the behavior and well-being of students in the classroom, getting on and off the bus, on recess