Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - RISE (Centralized Autism Classroom)

Job Title: Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - RISE (Centralized Autism Classroom)

Pay Program: Support Staff, Non-Exempt

Pay Range: Range 8 ($19.68 - $21.96)

Work Year: 177 days / 7 .5 hours per day

Reports to: Building Administrator/Sped Coordinator

Summary

Operating under the direction of the Building Leader and licensed special education staff, this position provides instructional, behavioral, communication, and personal-care support to students with autism. This position assists with implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supports structured routines, reinforces social communication and self-regulation skills, and uses visual, sensory, and behavioral supports to help students access learning. This position may provide one-on-one or small-group support and contributes to a safe, predictable, and supportive environment that promotes academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.

Education and Experience

Acceptable demonstration of acceptable education and/or experience will be at the sole discretion of the District.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's degree, completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework, or a passing score on the WorkKeys assessment (or other approved assessment) required for Title I schools
• Two years of experience working with children required
• Prior school district experience preferred
• Experience working with students with autism or diverse learning needs preferred
• Coursework or training in special education, autism support, applied behavior analysis (ABA), communication systems, or related areas preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language skills required when assigned to a bilingual program

Licenses, Registrations or Certifications

• Criminal background check required for hire
• Valid Colorado driver's license or valid Colorado identification required
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds. Lift test required at time of hire
• Quality Behavioral Solutions certification (QBS) must be obtained within 60 days of hire
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification required within 60 days of hire
• Small Vehicle Permit preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of autism characteristics and support needs, including communication, sensory regulation, and structured routines.
• Ability to implement visual supports, schedules, prompting strategies, sensory tools, and structured learning environments.
• Ability to support communication systems such as AAC devices, PECS, modeling, or functional communication strategies (training provided).
• Skill in implementing behavior intervention plans and using positive behavior supports.
• Ability to use calm redirection, de-escalation, and crisis-prevention techniques.
• Ability to remain calm when faced with challenging student behavior, including physically or verbally aggressive behavior
• Ability to build supportive, respectful relationships with students and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs, manage frequent interruptions, and maintain focus in a busy school environment.
• Ability to supervise students safely in a variety of settings and respond appropriately in crisis or emergency situations.
• Ability to follow district safety procedures and report concerns promptly.
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible with collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to assist students with toileting, feeding, hygiene, mobility, or positioning following training.
• Ability to follow health plans and safety protocols with accuracy.
• Understanding of infection-control and sanitation procedures.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to provide support in a professional and approachable manner
• Commitment to handling sensitive and confidential information with the highest ethical standards
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff and various stakeholders
• Ability to lead, communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds
• Ability to follow applicable federal, state, local laws and Board of Education policies, in addition to building and department procedures
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
• Basic operating knowledge of computers, district-approved devices, and common educational technology tools.
• Ability to use email, word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software.
• Ability to operate typical office equipment such as copiers, printers, and telephones.

Salary & Benefits:
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