Instructional Assistant - SPED

Westminster Public Schools; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Westminster Public Schools is seeking an ESP - Instructional Assistant to provide instructional support for students with IEPs district-wide. The role emphasizes safety, personal care when needed, and adapting assignments to diverse disabilities.

The position involves CPI/SEPA training, background checks, and ongoing professional development. It is 8 hours per day, 181 days per year, with a district-wide scope and a focus on collaboration with a diverse student population.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus an Associate Degree, 48 college semester credits, or ParaPro PRAXIS/Workkeys.
• Must complete SEPA training within 90 calendar days of employment.
• Works primarily with students who have significant cognitive and behavioral disabilities, including autism.
• Must pass various pre-employment background and screenings (external applicants only).
• Obtains CPI training & certification.
• Must have or be willing to obtain First Aide/CPR certification.
• Must possess strong work ethic and positive work attitude.
• Demonstrates excellent student rapport skills.
• Ability to communicate, interact, work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Must adhere to confidential requirements of the student, per FERPA.

Responsibilities

• Provides instructional support for students with IEPs both inside and outside the general classroom.
• Ensures and supports student safety, student supervision, in-school transport, and personal care of students requiring it.
• Modifies assignments/projects to students' level of understanding per their disability.
• Paper management (copies, communication notebooks, grading, progress monitoring, etc.).
• Serves as a scribe for students that require it.
• Participates in required training/professional development offered by the District.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Student rapport

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree

48 college credits

ParaPro PRAXIS/Workkeys

Job description

Position Type: ESP - Instructional Assistant

Date Posted: 9/22/2026

Location: DISTRICT WIDE

Closing Date: Until filled

Additional Information: 8 hours per day, 181 days per year

CLASSIFICATION: INST 03 ($25.55-$29.95 per hour)

Minimum Qualifications

• Highly qualified requirement: High school diploma or equivalent plus an Associate Degree, 48 college semester credits, or ParaPro PRAXIS/Workeys. For those who do not have an Associate Degree, 48 college semester credits, or ParaPro PRAXIS/Workkeys, Westminster Public Schools offers an alternative method of meeting the highly qualified requirement through district sponsored classes and district assessment.
• Must complete the SEPA training within 90 calendar days of employment.
• Works primarily with students who have significant cognitive and behavioral disabilities, including autism
• Must pass various pre-employment background and screenings (external applicants only)
• Obtains CPI training & certification
• Must have or be willing to obtain First Aide/CPR certification
• Must possess strong work ethic and positive work attitude
• Demonstrates excellent student rapport skills
• Ability to communicate, interact, work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Must adhere to confidential requirements of the student, per FERPA
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the work place, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier fax machine, e-mail, desktop/laptop computer, assistive tech devices
• Experience and skills working with culturally diverse populations desired

Job Responsibilities

• Provides instructional support for students with IEPs both inside and outside the general classroom
• Ensures and supports student safety, student supervision, in-school transport, and personal care (e.g., toileting, medical, feeding) of students that require it
• Modifies assignments/projects to students\' level of understanding per their disability
• Paper management (copies, communication notebooks, grading, progress monitoring, etc.)
• Serves as a scribe for students that require it
• Participates in required training/professional development offered by the District
• Performs other duties as assigned

Westminster Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. District policy prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, age, or disability, or other legally protected characteristics. Westminster Public Schools is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities. To request reasonable accommodation or to address matters of discrimination, please contact the Chief of Staff, 6933 Raleigh Street, Westminster, CO 80030, phone: [phone], email: [e-mail]. Although the position is based at a school/department, the employer is Westminster Public Schools.