2026-27 Paraprofessional II Special Education-Shepardson Elementary School

Poudre School District; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

PERA retirement

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Walk-in clinic access

Optional benefits

Job summary

Poudre School District is seeking a Special Education/Integrated Services paraprofessional to support students with significant needs in a general or special education setting. You will assist with instruction, personal care, behavior management, and data collection, while coordinating with teachers and nursing staff on health-related plans.

Responsibilities include adapting materials, implementing IEP goals, crisis response, and helping students access the general curriculum.

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.
• If assigned to a Title I school, two years of higher education or an associate's degree required.
• Criminal background check required for hire.
• CPI training within 3 months of hire.
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years).

Responsibilities

• Assist general classroom or special education teacher by providing instructional and physical support.
• Assist students with personal care, social skills and self‑awareness.
• Adapt instructional materials to meet individual learning goals.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and respond to crises to ensure safety.
• Monitor students across classrooms, hallways, and during transitions.
• Provide hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, and health-care plan adherence.
• Use assistive technology and alternative communication methods as needed.
• Maintain records on student behavior, progress, and required data.
• Collaborate with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and staff.
• Attend training and staff meetings to enhance job skills.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of higher education (for Title I eligibility)

Associate's degree or higher

WorkKeys assessment/competency within one year of hire

Criminal background check required

CPI training within 3 months of hire

Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 in first 2 years)

Job description

Information specific to this position: Special Education/Integrated Services

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

Hours/day: 6.5

Work calendar days: 186

Duration of position: Ongoing

Benefits include: Health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, short and long term disability, access to employee walk-in clinic, as well as other optional benefit elections.

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.

JOB TASKS

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assist students in developing self‑regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills. Encourage selfadvocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES EQUIRED

• 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
• 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)
• Questions regarding this posting can be directed to [e-mail]