Paraprofessional, SPED – Career Assistant
Mesa County Valley School District 51
Full-time
On-site
Colorado, United States
$18.45 - $20.57 USD yearly
- Position Type:
Special Education - Support Staff/Paraprofessional, SPED SSN - Date Posted:
9/30/2025 - Location:
Career Center - Date Available:
2025-26 - Closing Date:
10/05/2025 - Works directly with students assisting in the assessment of a student’s vocational aptitudes and implementing their Individual Education Plan (IEP) strategies. Duties include but are not limited to networking and working collaboratively with employers to provide unpaid as well as direct hire work experiences. Employee works with students in applying and interviewing for possible direct hire positions and then is actively involved in on-the-job training the student to ensure the best chance for success. Other responsibilities include helping to develop, communicate, and advocate for items and supports necessary for the student’s success such as, picture schedules, cue cards, behavior point systems, etc.
- Trains students in mobility skills within the community, especially as it relates to using Grand Valley Transit (GVT) services. Using teaching techniques to maximize independence employee provides decreasing support as student increases ability to access transit services successfully in various “real-life” situations. Employee must often work collaboratively with GVT drivers while students learn to ride independently and employee may use their personal vehicle to shadow the student’s movements on GVT. Other responsibilities include incorporating technology as much as possible to foster adult independence. Technological advancements providing improved educational and career access and understanding are an important aspect of special education. This position assists students in accessing classroom technology and encourages incorporating technology as a means to greater independence.
- Documents student’s progress toward IEP goals daily and according to Mesa County Valley School District 51, federal and state laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Timely submissions of all IEP updates document the time spent working on and progression in accomplishing established goals. Daily case notes are used directly for the benefit of the student but also provide support for billing/reimbursement processes, legal and CDE (Colorado Department of Education) requirements, and are held to the highest professional standards.
- Works to help students develop life skills including personal hygiene and how to meet the dress code expectations of employers. Other life skills focus is related to meal planning, food purchases, and lunch preparations. Teaching money handling, personal safety, decision making, and appropriate peer relationship building skills are examples of other daily student interactions. This position also assists students with personal banking skills and daily money monitoring that are a part of the Program.
- Performs the duties of Health Assistant in their absence. Duties include distributing and documenting medications to “off-campus” students, completing Medicaid documentation as required, and managing non-life threatening health issues that arise according to District policies and established procedures i.e. seizures, accident, sudden illness, …
- Prepares and purchases instructional materials as requested or necessary. Duties include using the Pcard and following District procedures for program purchases/reimbursements. Other administrative duties include using a variety of computer programs to help create instructional materials and IEP curriculum items as well as performing the daily attendance duties.
- Perform other duties as assigned
- High school diploma or equivalent required;
- Minimum two years of experience working with children; preference given for prior school district experience;
- Bilingual oral and written skills, English/Spanish, are desirable;
- *Acceptable demonstration of education and/or experience is at the sole discretion of the district.
- Minimum age requirement of 21;
- Valid Colorado driver’s license or other form of identification required;
- Successful passing of criminal background check required for hire;
- Quality Behavior Solutions certification (QBS) must be obtained within 60 days of hire;
- Must obtain District’s Small Vehicle Permit within 60 days of hire;
- CPR Certification, general first aid, and medication training required within 90 days of hire;
- Attend and successfully complete all staff development training as required by state law or as directed by the Executive Director of Student Services.
- Position occasionally may require work at night and/or on the weekends as students’ vocational opportunities are scheduled. Employees work week schedule is adjusted accordingly.
- Well-developed oral communication and phone etiquette skills in English;
- Well-developed customer service, public relations, and interpersonal relationship building skills;
- Strong ability to use de-escalation techniques and to defuse stressful and possibly volatile situations;
- Strong professional written-communication and group presentation skills;
- Strong working knowledge of laws and statutes as outlined in the:
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015),
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA, 1996);
- Strong ability to apply basic math skills and calculations with a high-degree of accuracy;
- Ability to apply and explain the application of Human Resources’ policies regarding employment including benefits;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job, especially as related to personal issues;
- Ability to work independently as needed with minimal direction and/or supervision;
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and frequent interruptions in a timely manner;
- Ability to be adaptable and flexible with critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities;
- Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, building and department procedures;
- Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds;
- 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.
- Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals;
- Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, etc.;
- Operating knowledge of and experience with software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and email.
Job Title: Paraprofessional, SPED – Career Assistant
Pay Program: Support Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Building Leader
Pay Range: CH 7 $18.45 - $20.57
Work Year: 177 Days / 7 Hours
SUMMARY: Working under the general supervision of the In-Steps Program Teacher or designee this position assists Teachers and Special Education staff with providing a multi-tiered array of services including but not limited to instructional, vocational, and life skills activities and lessons with consideration given to the student’s unique developmental and intrinsic qualities. As assigned and developed by the Teacher, this position provides direction for students through daily supervision, one-on-one direction, and small group lessons. This position is often a first point of contact for employers, community members, students, and parents and as such must work cooperatively to facilitate and promote positive relations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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.
Job Responsibility Descriptions |
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:
AVAILABLILTY:
TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE:
Salary & Benefits:
View all salary schedules for the current school year at: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/salary-schedules
Information regarding D51 Benefits can be found here: https://www.d51schools.org/departments111/human-resources/employee-benefits