Education Assistant - (EA IV) Significant Needs (SSN) Program

Douglas County School District; Castle Rock (CO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Vision

Dental

HSA

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

EAP

401(k) options

Paid sick and personal time

Job summary

Douglas County School District seeks an Education Assistant for the SSN program to provide intensive supports to students with significant needs, including those with complex medical requirements. You will work under a licensed teacher to promote safety, independence, and skill development in a structured classroom setting.

Responsibilities include mobility assistance, health supervision, and implementing IEP goals with fidelity.

Qualifications

• Experience assisting students with significant cognitive or physical disabilities including health needs.
• Ability to implement IEP goals and follow health plans with fidelity.
• Comfort working with students requiring personal care and mobility support.

Responsibilities

• Assist with student positioning, transferring, and mobility using equipment.
• Monitor health procedures and administer emergency meds as trained.
• Support access to accommodations and reinforce academic instruction across settings.

Skills

Experience with significant needs

Sign language

PECS

AAC devices

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High School or Equivalent

Job description

Job Posting Title: Education Assistant - (EA IV) Significant Needs (SSN) Program

Job Description:

Under the direction and guidance of a licensed special education teacher and staff, provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN), including those with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities and possible physical, health, or medical impairments. As a critical member of the special education team, supports functional, academic, and life skills instruction, assists with personal care and medical needs, and promotes student safety, engagement, and independence within a structured and supportive learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele. Experience working with children or young adults with significant cognitive or physical disabilities, or complex medical needs is preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional lifting of forty (40) to seventy (70) pounds
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting, and walking
• Occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, and standing
• Ability to run short distances

Equipment Used:

General classroom and office equipment

ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

Typical classroom noise Mostly clean and comfortable

Position Specific Information (if Applicable):

Responsibilities:

Health, Mobility, & Safety: Assist with student positioning, transferring (e.g., from wheelchair to stander, floor to chair), and mobility using specialized equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, standers). Monitor and provide delegated health care procedures, which may include seizure monitoring, administration of emergency medication (e.g., Diastat, Epipen), or basic first aid, following all required training and protocols. Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, including cleaning/sanitizing equipment and materials used for personal care and instruction. Closely supervise students during transitions, outdoor activities, and during mealtimes to ensure safety and prevent injury. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Functional & Life Skills Support: Support the implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher, including academics, functional skills, communication, social skills, and vocational training. Provide support to students with Significant Support Needs (SSN) across settings, including general education environments, by ensuring access to accommodations, reinforcing academic instruction, and implementing behavior management strategies, regardless of EEO status Support students with daily living and functional skills, including but not limited to, dressing, feeding (including G-tube feeding as trained and delegated), toileting/diapering, and personal hygiene. Aid students in using various communication methods, including sign language, picture exchange systems (PECS), and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Certifications: Education: High School or Equivalent (Required). Skills: Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for implementing IEPs, health plans, and behavior protocols with high fidelity, Strong commitment to student dignity, safety, and promoting the maximum level of independence for all students, Willingness and ability to assist students with personal care, toileting, and mobility, including lifting and transferring (with appropriate training and assistance).

Position Type: Regular Primary Location: Timber Trail Elementary One Year Only (Yes or No): No Scheduled Hours Per Week: 20 FTE: 0.50 Approx Scheduled Days Per Year: 180 Work Days (260 days indicates a year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are then granted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.) Minimum Hire Rate: $19.84 USD Hourly Maximum Hire Rate: $25.20 USD Hourly Full Salary Range: $19.84 USD - $30.55 USD Hourly All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.

Benefits:

• health
• vision
• dental
• health savings account (HSA)
• flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• short and long-term disability
• critical illness and accident voluntary insurance
• employee assistance program (EAP)
• voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options

Time Off Plans:

• paid sick and personal time.

This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past: November 24, 2026

Proud to Be DCSD - 65 Years of Excellence

A career in Colorado's Douglas County School District is a chance to be part of something incredibly important and fulfilling. Spanning over 850 square miles, Douglas County School District offers a variety of communities ranging from small rural farm towns to large and fast-growing suburban neighborhoods. At the heart of it all is a love and dedication to family and a unity of purpose around ensuring that each and every one of our community’s 61,000+ students receives the education needed to have the brightest future possible.

Unity of Purpose

DCSD’s Board of Education adopted the following goals for our school district – and our leaders, educators and support staff work diligently to incorporate these values in everything they do.

1. Academic Excellence
2. Outstanding Educators and Staff
3. Safe, Positive Climate and Culture
4. Collaborative Relations with Parents and Community
5. Financial Well-Being

Students Are at the Center of What We Do

In Douglas County, we know that working in education is more than a job - it’s a calling. Every day our dedicated team of educators guides our community’s future leaders by encouraging them to ask questions, explore new ideas, and solve problems. Our school leaders and staff put students first in everything they do and work hard to ensure that our educators have the tools they need to provide every student the best education possible.

Every Student is Unique

In Douglas County, we understand that no two students are the same. Each has a unique learning style and needs. We also know that students want and deserve multiple options for life after high school. We support all students, whether their goal is to go on to a four-year college, join the military, or directly enter the workforce. We have the programs and know-how to ensure our students are successful in whatever they choose to do after high school.

Every Employee Matters. Every Employee Contributes

From our school principals and licensed teachers to our nutrition services staff and bus drivers, all DCSD employees touch the lives of students and every employee contributes to their success.