Emotional Support Specialist (EA IV)

Douglas County School District; Highlands Ranch (CO); On-site; USD 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

HSA (Health Savings Account)

FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)

Life insurance

AD&D

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

EAP

401(k)

403(b)

457 plan

Job summary

Douglas County School District seeks an Educational Assistant (EA IV) for the Affective Needs program at Plum Creek Academy in Highlands Ranch. The role focuses on crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and creating a structured, therapeutic learning environment for students with complex behavioral needs.

The EA will collaborate with SPED staff, implement IEP goals, collect daily progress data, and support SEL and coping skills development.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Implement student-specific crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity, adhering to established protocols (e.g., 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.
• 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.
• Assist the Special Education Teacher with the implementation of the 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 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.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Crisis management training

Education

High School or Equivalent (Required)

Job description

Douglas County School District seeks an Educational Assistant (EA IV) for the Affective Needs program at Plum Creek Academy in Highlands Ranch. The role focuses on crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and creating a structured, therapeutic learning environment for students with complex behavioral needs.

The EA will collaborate with SPED staff, implement IEP goals, collect daily progress data, and support SEL and coping skills development.