Paraprofessional II Special Education-Center Autism; CBA-Shepardson Elementary School

2026‑27 Paraprofessional II Special Education – Center Based Autism (CBA) – Shepardson Elementary School, Poudre School District, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Job  Starting Date:
August 14, 2026 Pay Range: $20.26‑$22.69/hr (based on qualifications and experience, 2025‑26 rates; updated for 2026‑27). Hours/day: 6.5 Work calendar days: 186 Duration:
Ongoing.

Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement plan, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, access to an employee walk‑in clinic, and other optional benefit elections.

Responsible for assisting the general classroom or special education teacher by providing instructional and physical support for students with significant support needs so that they may fully participate in class activities with access to the general education curriculum. Assist students with personal care, social skills, and self‑awareness. Assist both special education and general education teachers with classroom accommodations, materials, clerical tasks, and student monitoring.

• Implement instruction, reteach concepts, and reinforce learning skills for students with significant support needs, adapting instructional materials to meet individual goals.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies, de‑escalate crises, and support students in managing emotional dysregulation; respond to aggressive behaviors, self‑harm risks, and other escalations with appropriate interventions to ensure safety.
• Monitor students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and transitions (e.g., lunch, recess, field trips, arrival/dismissal); enforce safety procedures and provide one‑on‑one supervision or crisis response as needed.
• Provide hands‑on support with hygiene, toileting, feeding (including spoon and tube feeding), catheterization, lifting, transferring, and mobility; follow individualized health‑care plans and collaborate with nursing staff for medical needs.
• Accommodate students with significant disabilities, including communication, sensory, and cognitive impairments; use assistive technology, augmented communication devices, and alternative language techniques.
• Maintain detailed records on student behavior, interventions, and academic progress; collect and input Medicaid and other required data, track individualized student goals, and assist with documentation for IEP meetings.
• Collaborate with teachers, mental health providers, case managers, and other staff to implement behavior intervention plans, IEP goals, and crisis response strategies; participate in problem‑solving meetings and adjust support based on student needs.
• Assist students in developing self‑regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills; encourage self‑advocacy and facilitate structured learning opportunities to promote independence.
• Attend specialized training, including de‑escalation techniques (e.g., CPI), behavior management, and medical delegation training; participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Adjust quickly to student needs and situations, managing unpredictable behavior escalations and responding to safety concerns across multiple settings, including general education, special education, and community‑based instruction; may cover schedules when paras are pulled away for urgent student situations.
• Support school‑wide safety protocols, participate in emergency response situations, and perform other tasks as required to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of related experience.
• Experience working with special needs students preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.

• Criminal background check required for hire.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required within 3 months of hire.
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (5 within first 2 years of hire).

• Oral and written communication skills.
• English language proficiency.
• Interpersonal relations skills.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Bilingual oral and…