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Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) Moderate Needs


Job Location:

Grand Junction, CO - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 19 - 21
Posted: 8 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 5 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary


  • Position Type:
    Special Education - Support Staff/Paraprofessional SPED Moderate Needs

  • Date Posted:
    8/6/2026

  • Location:
    Grand Junction High School

  • Closing Date:
    08/11/2026


  • Job Title: Paraprofessional Special Education (Sped) - Moderate Needs
    Pay Program: Support Staff Non-Exempt
    Pay Range: Range 8 ($19.68 - $21.96)
    Work Year: 178 days / 7 hrs per day
    Reports to: Building Leader/Special Education Coordinator
    Direct Reports: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

    Summary
    Operating under the direction of the Building Leader and licensed special education staff this position provides instructional behavioral and personal-care support to students with moderate needs. This position assists with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) supports academic and social-emotional skill development reinforces positive behavior strategies and helps maintain a structured and supportive learning environment. This position also assists with data collection personal care needs delegated health services (as appropriate) and safety procedures across school settings. This position may involve working with individual students or small groups and requires strong communication teamwork and adaptability to meet diverse student needs.

    Essential Responsibilities -To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency of responsibility percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment.

    Job Tasks Descriptions

    1. Instructional Support

    • Support teacher-directed instruction in individual small-group and classroom settings.
    • Assist in implementing IEP goals accommodations and modifications under the direction of licensed staff.
    • Prepare adapt and organize instructional materials schedules visuals and multi-sensory supports as directed.
    • Reinforce academic skills through guided practice prompting cueing and modeling.
    • Support assistive technology communication tools and other adaptive materials after training.

    2. Data Collection and Documentation

    • Collect data on student IEP goals general education goals behavior plans and interventions.
    • Review collected data with special education staff to support progress monitoring.
    • Maintain accurate timely and confidential records.

    3. Behavior Monitoring and Support

    • Support implementation of positive behavior intervention plans and classroom routines.
    • Reinforce social-emotional learning strategies and teach replacement behaviors as directed.
    • Assist with de-escalation redirection and problem-solving strategies using district-approved practices.
    • Maintain a calm supportive presence when students experience frustration or behavioral challenges.

    4. Personal Care and Hygiene Support

    • Assist students with personal care needs such as toileting/diapering hygiene feeding dressing or medication support under direction or delegation by a School Nurse (RN).
    • Support mobility needs including walking wheelchairs lifts positioning or transferring as trained.
    • Follow student health and safety plans developed by district nursing and therapy staff.
    • Maintain a clean sanitary environment and follow infection-control procedures.

    5. Delegated Nursing Support

    • Assist with delegated healthcare tasks as permitted by district policy and training.
    • Provide support with medication administration G-tube feeding seizure response catheterization or other delegated tasks as assigned.
    • Follow direction of licensed nursing staff and maintain accurate documentation.

    6. Student Supervision and Safety

    • Supervise students during transitions recess lunch arrival/dismissal hallways and field trips.
    • Ensure student safety and monitor for risk during all activities.
    • Provide support on transportation (including riding buses) when assigned with schedule adjustments as needed.

    7. Team Collaboration and Development

    • Participate in team meetings planning sessions and problem-solving meetings.
    • Attend building-level training professional development and assigned workshops.
    • Collaborate with teachers specialists and related service providers to support student needs.

    8. Other Duties

    • Additional tasks duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.


    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
    • Experience working with children or students in educational or childcare settings preferred
    • Prior school district experience preferred
    • Experience supporting students with disabilities or diverse learning needs 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 drivers 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
    • Ability to obtain and maintain required district trainings (e.g. restraint training first aid/CPR if assigned)


    Knowledge Skills and Abilities

    • Ability to follow teacher-directed instruction and implement accommodations and interventions.
    • Skill in using prompting cueing modeling and adaptive supports to reinforce student learning.
    • Understanding of assistive or adaptive technology (training provided).
    • Ability to remain calm when faced with challenging student behavior including physically or verbally aggressive behavior
    • Ability to support behavior intervention plans routines and SEL instruction.
    • 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:
    View all salary schedules for the current school year at: regarding D51 Benefits can be found here: Experience:

    Unclear Seniority


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