SpEd Paraprofessional - Autism

Academy School District 20; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy District 20 in Colorado Springs is seeking a SpEd Paraprofessional - Autism to support students under licensed staff supervision. The role involves implementing autism-specific programming, data collection, and daily classroom tasks at Academy International Elementary School.

Estimated start is September 11, 2026, with recruitment beginning September 3, 2026. This full-time position requires a high school diploma and a dedication to student-centered education within a supportive team

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and learn new systems.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Commitment to supporting students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assists the licensed teachers and specialists in implementing goals for autism spectrum students.
• Keeps up-to-date on behavior management techniques.
• Completes daily paperwork (attendance, slips, passes) and maintains records.
• Works one-on-one or in small groups to implement prescribed programming.

Skills

Communication

Record keeping

Teamwork

Adaptability

First aid

Behavior management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Removes disruptive, defiant student(s)
• Keeps up-to-date on behavior management techniques
• Completes daily paperwork (i.e. attendance reports, detention slips, student referral slips, various student passes, etc.)

Location

Academy International Elementary School

Recruiting Start Date

09/03/2026

This posting will be open at least five (5) days after the recruiting start date.

Estimated Start Date

09/11/2026

SpEd Paraprofessional - Autism performs the day-to-day activities of teaching students in the autism spectrum while under the supervision of a teacher. The paraprofessional does not make diagnostic or long-term education decisions regarding special education students. This includes individuals who may or may not be licensed. Assists the licensed special education teachers, the autism specialist, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other evaluative staff in the implementation of goals of students in the autism spectrum.

Note: This position addresses current student needs at the specified school. If the current program/school should experience a change in student needs, the individual filling this position may be required to change locations to another school where needs are demonstrated. This could occur at any time during the school year.

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and other key duties that may be required. The description may not include all functions performed by the incumbents in various locations. The district reserves the right to modify or change the duties or the essential functions of this job at any time.

• Reports consistently for work as scheduled
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards
• Obtains and maintains certifications necessary to support students with special needs
• Carries out instructional programs and lessons in various learning environments as designated in the lesson plan
• Implements programming specific to children in the autism spectrum (i.e. Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training, etc.)
• Works one‑on‑one with students to implement specific programming (Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training, etc.)
• Monitors behavior programs and reward systems for student(s)
• Collects data for assessment and monitoring purposes
• Prepares data collection sheets as needed
• Trained and able to perform behavior management through Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques when appropriate
• Removes disruptive, defiant student(s)
• Assists the student(s) in recitation, reading, and other curriculum tasks
• Accompanies and assists the student(s) while in the classroom setting
• Assists individual student in performing activities instructed by a teacher
• Tutors students in various subject areas
• Works one‑on‑one and with small groups
• Works with confidential special education student information
• Performs tasks for student(s) such as meal preparation, feeding, and lunch clean‑up
• Accompanies student(s) to whom assigned when trips to the office or to the school nurse are necessary
• Accompanies student(s) on field trips when needed
• Helps to resolve student disciplinary issues
• Keeps up‑to‑date on behavior management techniques
• Provides initial first aid/emergency care
• Assists the student(s) with physical tasks such as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, using lavatory, etc.
• Assists with non‑standardized testing of students
• Develops and implements games and teaching aids
• Assists in preparation, production, and maintenance of materials and equipment as assigned
• Coordinates completion of assignments and/or job tasks with classroom teachers and /or employers
• Monitors student(s) during recess, hall duty, passing periods, and loading of buses
• Assists students in finding materials and books in library
• Supervises student(s) in the use of various programs on the computer
• Supervises student use of swimming pool, weight room, and therapy pool
• Maintains student files, updating information as appropriate
• Keeps up‑to‑date in curriculum standards and instructional practices
• Completes daily paperwork (i.e. attendance reports, detention slips, student referral slips, various student passes, etc.)
• Attends pre‑job training, ongoing training, and meetings as required during the school year in order to remain up‑to‑date on job procedures
• Attends meetings and conferences as required
• Maintains, orders, and organizes inventory of materials and equipment for effective operation of program
• Sanitizes equipment/materials
• Performs miscellaneous clerical duties and assists other staff members
• Laminates materials as needed
• Prepares bulletin boards for parents and program

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and to learn functionality of new equipment and systems
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to create, access, input, retrieve, and manipulate information in various software systems
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate record keeping, document management, and filing systems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and professions including supervisors, administrators, coworkers, staff, students, parents, and the general public
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to greet and interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
• Ability to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor within the position responsibilities
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Commitment to the education of students as a primary responsibility
• Communicates effectively with students and adults in a wide variety of settings
• Computer proficiency including office productivity applications
• Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures, and overall district functions
• Demonstrated ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team setting
• Demonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
• Demonstrates effective organizational and time management skills
• Detail-oriented
• Energetic, creative, innovative, flexible
• Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures
• Knowledge of Special Education, other educational programming, and associated legal requirements as related to the needs of the students assigned to the teacher
• Promotes a positive climate, culture, and community
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills
• Student‑centered and relationship‑focused
• Understanding of data privacy laws and their implications for the educational community
• Willing to receive on‑the‑job training specific to student needs (i.e. Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior Training, signing, etc.)
• Willing to attend CO‑TOP opportunities and other professional learning related to job
• Willing to be trained to carry out delegated nursing practices
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training as required

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment may alternate among quiet, moderate, and loud.
• The incumbent is frequently required to interact in person and through communication methods with the students, public, and/or other staff.
• The incumbent is required to work scheduled school/work hours and/or days.
• The incumbent may be required to work extended school/work hours and/or days as directed.
• Work is generally performed in a school setting and on occasion may include some visits to homes, job sites, offices, etc.
• The incumbent may experience exposure to high noise levels associated with a classroom environment
• The incumbent may experience the threat of direct or indirect personal harm or conflict situations

Physical Demands

• Sits, stands, walks, stoops, kneels, and crouches/squats while performing duties
• Has oral and auditory capacity enabling interaction interpersonally and/or through communication devices
• Uses eyes, hands, and finger coordination enabling the use of equipment and writing utensils
• Ability to meet the physical and self‑help needs of students (toileting, feeding, dressing, and transfers)
• Ability to physically restrain, following the guidelines of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, an acting out student
• Ability to physically escort a student to various locations (i.e., time‑out area)
• Ability to perform visual and auditory monitoring of student while in time‑out/various locations
• Typical demands require staff to lift/push/pull or carry up to 50 lbs.; may have to lift students when assistance is required; able to safely lift 50 lbs. each in a two person lift, and may be higher for some assignments depending on position and student need; climb stairs, ladders, and/or stools; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; use fingers to operate computer keyboards; feel the shape, size and temperature of objects; and physically restrain students when necessary.

Cognitive Functions

Required Qualifications

High school graduate -high school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

Compensation Range

$21.02-22.07

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Hours Per Day

7.5 hour(s) per day

Number Of Days Per Year

176 Days M-F

Benefits Eligibility

Full-time - Regular

For more information on our benefits, please visit Employee Benefits | Academy District 20 (asd20.org).

FLSA Status

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Hiring Manager Email

[e-mail]