Paraprofessional, Therapy Day Program (TDP)
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 SNB - Date Posted:
8/7/2025 - Location:
Summit School Program - Date Available:
2025-26 - Closing Date:
08/12/2025 - Assisting the teacher in the assigned classroom, the TDP Paraprofessional provides emotional, behavioral, and instructional support to students, helping them to be engaged participants in classroom learning activities. Students are assigned to the TDP classroom with a goal of working to return to their regular school when possible. This position works directly with students in small groups or often one-on-one providing individualized behavior modification guidance to students based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Para will conduct line-of-sight supervision of student behavior which includes interactions that impart self-management skills that will enhance the student(s) behavior(s) toward appropriate responses and choices. This role sometimes includes the use of physical restraint to address the aggressive, erratic, and possibly dangerous conduct of a student(s). The paraprofessional is often a first-point-of-contact for demonstrating D51 Social Emotional Learning with students and there is an expectation for the person in this role to promote the District’s model/mission for this topic.
- Supporting the teacher in implementing the D51 Learning Model, the paraprofessional can be assigned a wide variety of tasks and duties that include but are not limited to copying, collating, and organizing core lesson materials and handouts. The para may assist with a variety of academic subjects including a students’ reading or math programs, developmentally appropriate social studies, science, and other curriculum-based instruction. This role reinforces the teacher’s expectations for quality work by coaching, guiding, and inspiring students to learn and overcome challenges as assigned/appropriate for their IEP. Other duties under this responsibility may include the general clean-up, sanitation, and order of the classroom environment, furniture, and materials. Working one-to-one with students the TDP Para provides feedback and on-going communication to the teacher regarding student observations, student engagement, areas of concern and the effectiveness of instructive techniques as it relates to the student’s performance-based learning plan(s).
- Working throughout the assigned school building/complex the paraprofessional monitors the SNB student’s behaviors and social responsiveness in a variety of environments that may be challenging to the student(s) including playgrounds, cafeteria, assemblies, physical education, group activities, and many other situations. This position may also be assigned before and/or after school bus stop monitoring duties as well monitoring duties while riding the bus for the Therapy Day Program. The para works with the student to learn and use a variety of self-soothing and calming techniques as well as providing positive behavior reinforcement in these settings.
- Collaborating with Therapy Day Program psychologist/counselor, this position is responsible for helping traumatized students cope with their past, so they may move on to a better future. This includes but is not limited to facilitating and monitoring self-soothing and behavior management techniques prescribed by the program’s psychologist/counselor.
- Daily communication with assigned teacher, additional paraprofessional, and program’s psychologist/counselor about individual student learning and behavior needs is a continuous responsibility of this position. This includes working together to create and implement specific behavior modification techniques for students based on individual needs. While the paraprofessional may have some contact with a student’s parents and/or guardian there is minimal direct communication and inquiries are referred back to the primary classroom teacher.
- Participating in staff meetings and/or building level in-service training programs as appropriate is an expectation of the TDP Paraprofessional. Employee may also participate in and assist activities outside of the classroom including occasional field trips and off-site tours. Note: The actual duties of this position may vary based on current needs and building assignment.
- Perform other duties as assigned
- High school diploma or equivalent required;
- Preference given for additional credit hours in early-childhood education, education, or healthcare;
- Minimum two years of experience working with pre-adolescent children required; preference given for prior school district experience;
- Direct experience or knowledge of students who have significant disabilities preferred;
- Bilingual oral and written skills, English/Spanish, are desirable;
- *Acceptable demonstration of education and/or experience is at the sole discretion of the district.
- Valid Colorado driver’s license or other form of identification required;
- Successful passing of criminal background check required at time of hire;
- Must be able to lift 35 pounds; Lift test required at time of hire and renewed every three years;
- 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;
- Attend and successfully complete all staff development training as required by state law or as directed by supervisor.
- Exceptional ability to stay calm and relaxed during situations in which student must be restrained or disciplined while demonstrating physically and/or verbally abusive behavior;
- Exceptional ability to be patient with and non-reactive to emotionally/verbally obloquy students;
- Strong ability to use de-escalation techniques and to defuse stressful and possibly volatile situations;
- 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 (HIPAA, 1996);
- Well-developed oral communication skills in English, preference given for Spanish language skills;
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills with youth;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job, especially as related to student issues and information;
- 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 office software such as word processing and spreadsheets;
- Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copier, fax machine, E-mail, etc.
Job Title: Paraprofessional, Therapy Day Program (TDP) | |
| Pay Program: Support Staff | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt |
| Reports to: SPED Teacher / Building Leader | Pay Range: CH 7 $18.45 - $20.57 |
| Work Year: 177 Days / 7 Hours | |
VISION: To Engage, Equip, and Empower Each and Every Student, Each and Every Day.
SUMMARY: Operating under the general supervision of the assigned teacher and school leadership, this employee coordinates with the Therapy Day Program team to provide a variety of emotional, behavioral, and instructional support to students with significant behavioral development needs. Employee acts as a teacher resource working directly with students to instruct and demonstrate appropriate behavior as well as reinforce the D51 Learning Model through preparing and assisting with core lessons, participating in students’ reading or math programs, and other curriculum-based instruction. This position provides an environment in which students can feel safe in order to inspire them to improve behavior and reach specific behavioral and educational goals. The TDP Paraprofessional is also often a point of contact for the staff and students entering the classroom environment and the employee must work cooperatively to facilitate these interactions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an 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 |
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EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATION:
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