Educational Assistant - (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program

Douglas County School District; Colorado; On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision & Dental

Retirement plans (403(b)/457)

Job summary

Douglas County School District seeks an Educational Assistant - EA IV in the Affective Needs program to provide intensive, individualized support to students with emotional and behavioral challenges. You will implement crisis interventions, de-escalation strategies, and foster a safe, therapeutic learning environment, while collaborating with the special education team.

Responsibilities include supporting SEL and coping skills, applying BIPs, and collecting daily behavioral data for IEPs, with a

Qualifications

• Must be able to remain calm and effective during student crises or high-stress situations.
• Strong communication and collaboration with staff and families.

Responsibilities

• Implement crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
• Provide calm support to students during emotional distress or behavioral crises.
• Help students develop social-emotional and coping skills.
• Implement Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Collect and maintain daily data on student behavior and emotional progress per IEP.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Crisis management training

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Posting Title: Educational Assistant - (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program

Job Description:

Provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Affective Needs (AN), who exhibit complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. As a critical member of the special education team, is primarily responsible for implementing crisis intervention strategies, facilitating emotional regulation, and fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES USED:

General classroom equipment.

ESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Mostly clean and comfortable.
• Some classroom level noise.

Responsibilities:

Emotional & Behavioral Support:

Implement student-specific crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity, adhering to established protocols (e.g., Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - CPI).

Provide consistent and calm support to students during moments of emotional distress or behavioral crisis, facilitating a return to regulation.

Assist students with developing and utilizing social-emotional learning (SEL) and coping skills, and support their appropriate use of a sensory/safe room or designated therapeutic space.

Implement student-specific Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), focusing on proactive strategies and teaching replacement behaviors.

Collect and maintain accurate daily data on student behavior and emotional progress as required by the IEP team.

Program & Safety Support:

Maintain a high level of situational awareness to proactively identify and address escalating behaviors in the classroom and throughout the school.

Collaborate closely with the Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Counselor, Social Worker, and other mental health professionals to ensure a unified approach to student support.

Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of all students, responding effectively to all safety and crisis concerns.

Respect confidentiality regarding student needs and abilities.

Instructional Support:

Assist the Special Education Teacher with the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to social, emotional, and academic development.

Support students in accessing the curriculum, completing assignments, and managing the demands of the school environment, including tasks that are modified or accommodated based on the IEP.

Facilitate restorative practices and social skills groups as directed by the teacher or school mental health professionals.

Support students' successful transition and integration into the general education setting by providing scaffolding and emotional support.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Certifications:

First Aid & CPR Certification - American Heart Association

Education:

High School or Equivalent (Required)

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, objective, and effective during student crises or high-stress behavioral situations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills, with an emphasis on therapeutic and non-judgmental communication.
• Willingness and ability to complete required training in crisis management and maintain physical certification.

Position Type: Regular Primary Location: Sagewood Middle School One Year Only (Yes or No): No Scheduled Hours Per Week: 37.5 FTE: 0.94 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:

• This position is eligible for 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:

• This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time.

This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past: December 9, 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.