2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Affective Needs-Bennett Elementary School

IMDiversity Inc.; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Employee walk-in clinic

Job summary

Bennett Elementary School in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a Paraprofessional II for the Affective Needs program to support students with significant needs. The position runs 9:30 AM–12:45 PM, Monday–Friday, for 3.25 hours daily across 186 work days this school year.

Pay ranges from $20.42 to $22.87 per hour, with PSD benefits including PERA, PTO, disability coverage, and clinic access. Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of related

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 by implementing instruction and reinforcing learning skills.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and support students in emotional regulation.
• Monitor students in classrooms and during transitions; enforce safety procedures.
• Provide hands-on support with personal care, hygiene, feeding, and mobility assistance.
• Use assistive technology and communication devices as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of behavior and progress; assist with IEP documentation.

Skills

Oral and written communication

English language skills

Interpersonal skills

Lifting and transferring students

Bilingual abilities (may be required)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

One year of related experience

Experience with special needs students preferred

Associate degree or higher acceptable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Computers and peripherals

Job description

2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Affective Needs-Bennett Elementary School
Poudre School District
Bennett Elementary - FORT COLLINS, Colorado

Job Details
Job ID:5940871
Starting Date:To Be Determined

Job Description

Information specific to this position: This position supports the Affective Needs (AN) Program at Bennett Elementary School. The scheduled hours are 9:30 AM-12:45 PM, Monday-Friday. Special Education/Integrated Services.

Pay Range: $20.42-$22.87/hour (min – 12% above min based on qualifications and experience)*

Hours/day: 3.25

Work calendar days: 186

Duration of position: Remainder of school year

Benefits include: PERA retirement, paid time off, short and long term disability, access to employee walk-in clinic, as well as 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.

If you have a mental or physical impairment which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations during any portion of the application process, including testing and/or interviews, please contact us at [e-mail]. If requesting testing and/or interview accommodations, you must contact us at least three (3) working days before the interview or test date.

Position Type:See Job Description
Job Categories:
Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Paraprofessional Integrated Services II FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Family: Classified - Instructional Support Pay Range: PT17H
Prepared/Revised Date: August 1, 2026 Job Code: 41625

SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing

instructional and physical support for students with significant support needs so that they may fully participate in class activities with access to the general education curriculum.

Assist students with personal care, social skills and/or self-awareness.

Assist both the special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials, clerical skills, and the monitoring of students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Frequency of duties, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

1. Assist the general classroom or special education teacher by implementing instruction, reteaching concepts, and reinforcing learning skills for students with significant support needs. Adapt instructional materials to meet individual learning goals.


2. Implement behavior intervention strategies, de-escalate crises, and support students in managing emotional dysregulation. Respond to aggressive behaviors, self-harm risks, and other escalations with appropriate interventions to ensure student and staff safety.


3. Monitor students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and during transitions (e.g., lunch, recess, field trips, arrival/dismissal). Enforce safety procedures, provide one-on-one supervision when needed, and assist in crisis situations, including physical interventions when required.


4. Provide hands‑on support with hygiene, toileting, feeding (including spoon and tube feeding), catheterization, lifting, transferring, and mobility assistance. Follow individualized health care plans and collaborate with nursing staff for medical needs.


5. Independently accommodate students with significant disabilities, including those with communication, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Use assistive technology, augmentative communication devices and alternative language techniques as needed.


6. Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and academic progress. Collect and input Medicaid and other required data, track individualized student goals and assist with documentation for IEP meetings.


7. Work closely with teachers, mental health providers, case managers and other staff to implement behavior intervention plans, IEP goals, and crisis response strategies. Participate in problem‑solving meetings and adjust support based on student needs.


8. Assist students in developing self‑regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills. Encourage self‑advocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.


9. Attend specialized training, including de‑escalation techniques (e.g. CPI), behavior management and medical delegation training. Participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities to enhance job skills.


10. Adjust quickly to student needs and situations, managing unpredictable behaviour escalations, and responding to safety concerns. Work with students across multiple settings, including general education, special education and community‑based instruction. May cover schedules for paras pulled away for an urgent student situation.


11. Support school‑wide safety protocols, participate in emergency response situations and take on other responsibilities as required to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

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 moderate to severe physical disabilities, emotional disabilities and special needs to assisting with personal health and hygiene


• 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

• POSITION TITLE # of EMPLOYEES


• 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

STANDARD PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Poudre School District is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Poudre School District will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].