Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program

Dcsdk12; Ponderosa (NM); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life insurance

Short and long-term disability

Critical illness insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401(k) plan

403(b) plan

457 retirement plan

Job summary

Douglas County School District seeks an Educational Assistant (EA IV) for the Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program at Ponderosa High School. You will support students with complex needs under a licensed teacher, assisting with academics, functional skills, communication, and daily living activities.

The role requires lifting up to 70 lbs, assisting with medical tasks, and ensuring safety and independence. Strong collaboration, adherence to IEPs, and dedication to student dignity are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience supporting students with significant cognitive/physical disabilities preferred.
• Ability to implement IEP goals and health plans with fidelity.
• Willingness to assist with personal care and mobility tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support IEP goals and life skills in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher.
• Assist with daily living activities, dressing, feeding, toileting, and mobility.
• Support communication using sign language, PECS, or AAC devices.
• Promote safety, engagement, and independence in structured settings.
• Maintain a clean, safe classroom environment and follow health procedures.

Skills

IEP implementation

Student safety

Team collaboration

Health plan adherence

Education

High School or Equivalent

Tools

Sign language

PECS

AAC devices

Job description

Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Program page is loaded## Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support Needs (SSN) Programlocations: Ponderosa High Schooltime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: Req-00083403## Please complete this application using your full legal name as it appears on your government issued forms of identification when you have time to go from start to finish. Application details cannot be saved along the way, and you must complete and submit the application in one sitting. If you leave your computer and return later, you may time out.*REMINDER: Current DCSD employees must apply through their district log-on, this application is for external candidates only!*## **Job Posting Title:**Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Significant Support 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 distancesEQUIPMENT USED:General classroom and office equipmentESSENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:Typical classroom noiseMostly clean and comfortable## Position Specific Information (if Applicable):## Responsibilities:* **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.* **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.## 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:Ponderosa High 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:February 9, 2027**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 Excellence2. Outstanding Educators and Staff3. Safe, Positive Climate and Culture4. Collaborative Relations with Parents and Community5. 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.