2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Center Based Autism-Johnson Elementary School

Poudre School District -CO; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 12,000 - 14,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Employee walk-in clinic access

Job summary

Poudre School District in Fort Collins is hiring a Paraprofessional Integrated Services II to support the Center-Based Autism program at Johnson Elementary School. You will assist teachers with instructional support and behavior management, enabling students with significant disabilities to participate in activities.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of related experience; CPI training is required within three months.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of related experience preferred.
• Experience with special needs students is preferred.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training within 3 months of hire is required.
• Criminal background check required for hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist general or special education teachers with instruction and materials.
• Support students with significant disabilities in personal care and daily living activities.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and de-escalation strategies.
• Monitor student safety in classrooms and during transitions.
• Maintain records for IEPs, progress, and behavior observations.
• Collaborate with nurses and other staff for medical needs.

Skills

Oral and written communication skills

English language skills

Interpersonal relations skills

Lift and transfer students

De-escalation and behavior supports

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of higher education

Associate’s degree or higher

WorkKeys assessment demonstration of instructional competency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Center Based Autism-Johnson Elementary School
Poudre School District
Johnson Elementary - Fort Collins, Colorado

Job Details

Information specific to this position: This position will support the Center-Based Autism Program at Johnson Elementary School. (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: Ongoing

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:
Job Categories:
Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > Autism

Job Requirements
Citizenship, residency or work visa required

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 selfadvocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
41625 – Paraprofessional Integrated Services II
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 behavior 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 assessmentdemonstratinginstructional competency within one year of hire

• 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)

• 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, including 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, and utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator

• 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.

• Responsible for supervising the behavior and well-being of students in the classroom, getting on and off the bus, on recess

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & DIRECTION/GUIDANCE:
POSITION TITLE # of EMPLOYEES
Reports to: School Administration
Direct reports: This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
41625 – Paraprofessional Integrated Services II

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].