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

Douglas County School District; Parker (CO); On-site; USD 27,331 - 34,715; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Health savings account (HSA)

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401(k), 403(b), and 457 retirement plans

Job summary

Douglas County School District is seeking an Educational Assistant for the Affective Needs Program in Parker, Colorado. The role involves providing specialized support to students with emotional and behavioral challenges, implementing crisis intervention strategies, and fostering a therapeutic learning environment. Candidates must have a high school diploma and skills in communication and crisis management. The position offers competitive hourly rates ranging from $19.84 to $25.20, with health benefits, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage stress during student crises.
• Effective communication with students and staff.
• Willingness to complete crisis management training.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized support to students with Affective Needs.
• Implement student-specific crisis intervention strategies.
• Assist with IEP goals and promote social-emotional learning.
• Maintain situational awareness to address escalating behaviors.

Skills

Ability to remain calm during crises

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative skills

Crisis management training

Education

High School or Equivalent

Job description

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, the EA is primarily responsible for implementing crisis intervention strategies, facilitating emotional regulation, and fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. The EA also 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

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

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.

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

Ponderosa High School.

Scheduled Hours Per Week

37.5.

FTE

0.94.

Minimum Hire Rate

$19.84 USD hourly.

Maximum Hire Rate

$25.20 USD hourly.

Full Salary Range

$19.84 USD – $30.55 USD hourly.

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.

Position Availability

Position open until filled, until July 29, 2026.