Paraprofessional II Special Education-Elementary-Autism, Behavior Support, or Significa

Job Overview

Paraprofessional II – Special Education (Elementary – Autism, Behavior Support, or Significant Needs). All School Locations – Fort Collins, Colorado. Starting date:
August 14, 2026.

Pay range: $20.42–$22.87 per hour (minimum 12 % above minimum). Hours per day: 3–8 hours. Work calendar days: 186. Position is ongoing.

Positions with at least 5.60 hours per day: health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, PERA retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, employee walk‑in clinic, and other optional benefits. Positions with less than 5.60 hours per day: PERA retirement, short‑ and long‑term disability, employee walk‑in clinic, and other optional benefits.

• Assist the general classroom or special education teacher by implementing instruction, reteaching concepts, and reinforcing learning skills for students with significant support needs.
• Adapt instructional materials to meet individual learning 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 student and staff safety.
• Monitor students in classrooms, hallways, common areas and during transitions (lunch, recess, field trips, arrival/dismissal). Enforce safety procedures, provide one‑on‑one supervision when needed and assist in crisis situations, including physical interventions when required.
• Provide hands‑on support with hygiene, toileting, feeding (including spoon and tube feeding), catheterization, lifting, transferring and mobility assistance. 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, augmentative communication devices and alternative language techniques as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of 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.
• Work closely 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.
• Work with students across multiple settings, including general education, special education and community‑based instruction. May cover schedules for paras pulled away for an urgent student situation.
• Support school‑wide safety protocols, participate in emergency response situations and take on other responsibilities as required.

• 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 three months of hire.
• Special Education Paraprofessional Academy classes (five in first two years of hire).

• Oral and written communication skills.
• English language skills.
• Interpersonal relations skills.
• Mathematical skills including basic calculations and application of basic math concepts.
• Bilingual oral and written communication skills may be required or preferred.
• Ability to work with students with moderate to severe physical and emotional disabilities, including personal health and hygiene assistance.
• Ability to diffuse volatile student…