Special Education Paraprofessional

Steamboat Springs School District RE-2; Steamboat Springs (CO); On-site; USD 35,969 - 40,763; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Sick and Personal Days

Flexible spending account

Job summary

Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 is looking for a qualified Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2025/26 school year. This full-time position involves assisting students with classroom activities, supporting licensed teachers with instructional plans, and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.

Applicants should possess at least a High School diploma and demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to lift up to 75 lbs. A competitive pay range of $26.11 - $29.59 is offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, Bachelor's, Associate's degree, or minimum 48 hours of coursework.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Trained in techniques for physical restraint.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with classroom activities under supervision.
• Observe and record student progress in academics.
• Help students with daily needs or activities.

Skills

Computer skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Physical stamina

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Soda Creek Elementary School is seeking a qualified Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2025/26 school year.

SSSD is consistently awarded “Accredited with Distinction” by the Colorado Department of Education and ranked as a top school district in the state. Our schools offer curriculum and academic programs designed to give students the skills they need to compete in college and the workplace. SSSD’s talented team prepares Steamboat’s students to succeed in an ever‑changing world, and to apply essential academic skills and knowledge in various content areas.

PAY RANGE

$26.11 - $29.59, depending on experience.

Based on a maximum of 9 years of experience.
Full‑time position, 174 work days, based on the school schedule. May be for multiple positions.
Generally, Monday‑Friday work days. May consider a part‑time schedule, which can be discussed at the interview.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Support

• Assist students with classroom activities and adaptations to allow each student to participate in the educational process under supervision of licensed teacher.
• Assist teacher in implementing instructional plans in academics with individual IEP goals under the supervision of licensed teacher.
• Follow directions and guidelines from professional teaching staff regarding each student’s IEP.
• Observe and record student progress in academic areas.
• Help students with/without IEPS with daily journal, books, and computer activities.
• Read to all students.
• Help plan daily activities.
• Modify written or oral directed activities.
• Assist with self‑help skills (changing shoes, putting on extra clothes, going to the bathroom, eating, cleaning up, blowing noses, etc.).
• Assist in planning behavioral objectives.
• Help students with/without IEPS select library books.
• Help all students work on classroom activities.
• Attend informal meetings with resource teacher or classroom teacher re: specific student needs.
• Communicate with teachers on a daily basis.
• Help with listening activities.
• Go to specials with Special Needs Children.
• Provide multi‑disciplinary training and carrying out of objectives (OT, PT, SP/L, and Severe Needs).
• Work one‑on‑one with Special Needs Student(s) when necessary.
• Take initiative when modifying or working one‑on‑one.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Behavioral Support

• Supervise Time‑Out.
• Make certain student does not hurt self or others in all situations.
• Observe and chart student behavior.
• Give positive reinforcement and support.
• Manage conflicts between students.
• Help with establishing friendships and relationships.
• Provide close supervision of behavioral problems.
• Make certain class and school rules are followed.
• Help students develop organizational skills.

Resource and Teacher Support

• Perform clerical work, including IEP paperwork organization, and notification of parents regarding meetings.
• Complete daily and/or weekly communication for supervising teachers regarding educational issues/concerns and behavioral needs/concerns.
• Help develop and find materials needed for teaching.
• Help develop and manage learning centers.
• Help with student paperwork.
• Prepare materials for activities.
• Help prepare and clean up snacks and lunch.
• Help students clean up after an activity.
• Help prepare and arrange room for teacher.
• Attend appropriate workshops and in‑services when requested.

Classroom and Student Support

• Assist students with health needs.
• Supervise students on arrival or departure, during lunch, recess, etc.
• Toilet students when necessary.
• Work with teachers and students to include special education students.
• Help support student behavior.
• Escort and assist students with field trips.
• Plan with classroom teachers and Special Education teacher.
• Recess duty and may be asked to ride with students on the bus to and from school.
• Adapt technology to fit student’s needs.
• Learn and be able to use a variety of adaptive equipment for different student needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma, Bachelor’s, Associate's degree, or minimum 48 hours of coursework at an institution of higher education, or proof of passing a formal state assessment meeting ESSA guidelines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to withstand exposure to the outdoor elements including extreme cold, extreme hot, rain, snow, and other mountain climatic conditions.
• Adequate mobility to perform tasks such as restraining students, catching running students, and lifting moving objects.
• Trained in or willing to be trained in techniques for the proper use of physical restraint; willingness to use physical restraint when appropriate and in accordance with school district policy.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

• Medical, dental and vision insurance with significant district contribution towards premiums.
• Sick and Personal Days.
• Flexible spending account.
• Voluntary retirement savings options (401K, 403B, 457B).
• Term Life insurance.
• Professional Development reimbursement opportunities.
• District Wellness Clinic.
• PERA retirement program.
• Some benefits may have eligibility requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Decision Making

An example of a typical decision made by an individual in this position is to interpret policies/procedures and best practice. An incorrect decision could impact the district legally and financially, potentially leading to substantial cost or damage to the district’s credibility.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond professionally to questions from groups of parents, community members, commissioners, colleagues and Board of Education.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, discounts, commissions, proportions, percentage, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form, and deal with several abstract concrete variables. Ability to analyze and use data to supervise the delivery of instruction and the school improvement process.

Technology Skills

Proficient use of technology including basic operations and concepts, word processing, spreadsheets, internet usage, critical evaluation of information, data analysis, email, and integration of technology.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in education. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form. Ability to copy, coordinate, instruct, evaluate and negotiate. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies. Ability to discipline students consistent with district procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is continuously required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment is quiet to loud depending on the activity in the particular part of the day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a CBI/FBI background check. Steamboat Springs School District is an equal opportunity employer.