Para Educator - Independence Support

Jeffco Public Schools; Colorado; On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado is seeking a Para-Educator to support a student with intensive needs. You will implement instructional and behavioral strategies, assist with IEPs, and help manage classroom activities under supervision.

Responsibilities include medication administration per district policy, supervision during meals and transit, and participation in required trainings. Requires high school diploma and strong communication skills; fingerprinting may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional and behavioral support for an individual student.
• Assist in implementing IEPs and preparing materials.
• Administer medications per policy and document appropriately.
• Supervise lunch, recess, and bus duties as assigned.
• Attend trainings and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma/GED

CPR and First Aid

Job description

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Hutchinson is in the Green Mountain area of Jefferson County Schools and we take pride in building strong partnerships with its families and the surrounding community. We offer Pre-K through 5th grade programming as well as a center program supporting students with identified emotional needs. These students are provided with additional supports to promote success in both behaviors and academics. Hutchinson offers a rigorous standards-based curriculum along with innovative practices including our Maker Space where students have the opportunity to engage in projects focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, perseverance, communication, and critical thinking. We are dedicated to content mastery and giving students authentic learning opportunities. Hutchinson is proud to be a Certified Leader In Me School. Leader in Me focuses on rules that encourage students to be positive and make responsible decisions for themselves. Hutchinson also implements Restorative Practices for community-building and conflict resolution. The Leader In Me program coupled with Restorative Practices promote a positive school environment. Students and all members of the school community can learn and practice self-discipline, empathy, and accountability. Hutchinson is an inclusive community with a committed and caring staff. We would love to have you come visit us to see what makes us a great neighborhood school.

ABOUT THE JOB

HOURS AND DAYS WORKED

Desired Start Date: 10/05/2026
Para Educ - Independence Supp
Annual Position
FLSA: Nonexempt
FTE: .87500 , Hours/Day: 7.000 , Days/Year: 178
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: CSEA - Para-Educator -8 hrs , D25, 1
Pay Range: $22.74 - $28.38 Effective as of: 08-16-2025

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT

The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete and incur the fingerprinting and processing fee of $57.50 through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

SUMMARY: Perform a full range of educational/non-educational duties for the specific intensive needs of primarily one student.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Provide instructional and behavioral support in all academic and related areas as directed by the teacher primarily for an individual student.
• Provide support to special education teacher such as preparing materials, assist in the implementation of IEP (Individualized Education Plan), provide input into the IEP when appropriate, deliver instructional materials for individual students, keep attendance and activity records, collect data for progress monitoring, and implement behavior intervention plans.
• Administer all medications, within the guidelines of District Policy JLCD to students and document appropriately as identified in District policy. District Area Nurse will delegate medication administration to Para-Educator. Para-Educator will follow medication administration protocols and guidelines under the Department of Health Services and will be monitored, documented, and audited by the District Area Nurse.
• Perform assigned lunch/recess/bus duties which include supervision in the cafeteria, playground and pre/post boarding of buses.
• Perform health and personal need duties as directed by teacher or nurse, including bathroom assistance, diapering, feeding and lifting students.
• Apply de-escalation strategies and manage classroom behavior.
• Perform restraints, if required or applicable, after attending district approved trainings.
• Participate in required Medicaid and Random Moment in Time Study provider trainings. Document personal care and/or delegated nursing services on a regular basis in EZEDMed system for Medicaid reimbursement purposes.
• Maintain confidential information as directed.
• Provide support for any student as directed.
• Attend district-provided trainings and professional development as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: High school diploma/GED required.

EXPERIENCE: No experience required. Prefer one year of related work experience in K-12 school setting.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT: Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with students who have a variety of disabilities.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: CPI, CPR and First Aid certificates highly recommended. Training provided by the district.

SUPERVISION/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITY: This job has no staff supervisory responsibilities.

CONTACTS: Daily contact with students to provide service and with persons in the same building regarding routine internal matters. Contact with parents and persons in other buildings or departments to provide or obtain information.

SAFETY TO SELF AND OTHER: Potential exposure to bruises, bites, cuts, spitting, kicking, hitting and scratches. Gloves are provided to prevent exposure to bodily fluids.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee may occasionally be required to run a short distance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds with assistance. The employee must be able to push/pull 150 pounds for 30 feet.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Potential exposure to bruises, bites, cuts, spitting, kicking, hitting and scratches. Gloves are provided to prevent exposure to bodily fluids.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, instruct, and use interpersonal skills. The employee is frequently required to compare, analyze, copy, coordinate, compute, synthesize, evaluate, compile, and negotiate.

JUDGMENT AND DECISION MAKING: Work is assigned by licensed staff, administration or self-directed. This position requires judgment to determine an appropriate course of action for a problem. Errors in decision making could adversely impact care or safety of students. Decision making requires collaboration with paraprofessionals, para educators, classroom teacher, school nurse, service providers and school administrators. Work is guided by Health Action Plan/Medical Protocol, IEPs, district curriculum, Behavior Intervention Plans, district policies, school procedures and professional judgment. Confidentiality is paramount.

DIVERSITY OF DUTIES: Duties require cross training in student electronic augmentative/assistive technology and using computers with students.

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.