Transition Program Special Education Paraprofessional

The Aspen School District is seeking a dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional for for the Transition Program of the Aspen High school

Position Title: Transition Program Special Education Paraprofessional

Department: Student Services

Reports to: Student Services Director

Classification: Classified Full-time, Non-Exempt

Contract Period: 9 Month (185 days with some variance depending on the year)

Compensation: $26.90 - $33.43 DOE

SY2025-26 Special Education Paraprofessional Salary Schedule

ASD offers district funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program, and supplemental insurance (ie cancer, disability, etc).

Position Summary

• The Transition Program Special Education Paraprofessional assists students with special needs in their transition from high school to adult life. This role involves providing direct support to students in various settings to help them develop essential skills for employment, independent living, continuing education and community participation. This position requires the ability to support educational programming as well as advanced communication and collaboration skills.

Position Responsibilities

Transition Program Special Education Paraprofessional Responsibilities:

• Follows daily schedule and school procedures, and implements student programming, as directed by the Student Services Department. 
• Provides one-on-one and small-group support to assigned students, implementing lesson plans and instructional strategies designed to build academic, vocational, and life skills.
• Models and reinforces positive behavior, communication, and social skills in an inclusive environment.
• Assists students in exploring and using post-secondary education opportunities, resources and accommodations
• Supports students in community-based instruction activities, including job exploration, work-based learning, and vocational training.
• Provides job coaching, helping students master new tasks, understand workplace expectations, and interact with employers and co-workers, and practice skills to cultivate independence.
• Monitors student behavior, intervening when appropriate and supporting the student while working individually or in small groups
• Collaborates and consults with regular and special education providers and administrators, and related service personnel, and assists in the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs), focusing specifically on transition goals, such as daily living skills, money management, and self-advocacy.
• Maintains open and respectful communication and collaboration with students, parents, guardians and community partners to support student progress and independence.
• Conducts regular assessments and evaluations, and accurately collects, records and reports data on student progress toward IEP goals, sharing insights with the team to inform instructional decisions.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
• Encourages and fosters students' self-determination and advocacy skills, helping them voice their needs and make informed decisions about their futures.
• Participates in professional development/continuing education programs as required/recommended by the school administrator and/or Director of Student Services
• Assists students with personal care needs, as may be required, which may include toileting, hygiene, and feeding
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Professional communication norms and standards (written and oral)
• Modern office procedures and methods
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping
• Microsoft Office and/or the Google Suite of office software

• Ability to:
• Demonstrate responsibility and consistency of attendance required for work with students
• Work with efficiency with attention to detail
• Demonstrate flexibility for the environment that may require a change of schedule and/or student activities
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Work cooperatively with administrators and staff
• Observe all district policies and procedures
• Observe all general safety rules, carefully observing correct lifting procedures
• May be asked to supervise students
• Communicate clearly and concisely in English both orally and in writing 

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current CPR/First Aid certificate (may be obtained through Aspen School District)
• Crisis intervention training annually
• Successful completion of Project Para (or comparable course) within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications 

• At least one year experience in special education or related field
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Spanish bilingual 

Work Environment

• Classroom setting
• Office environment; exposure to computer screens
• Mostly clean and comfortable surroundings
• Exposure to noise and bodily fluids

Essential Physical Requirements

• Physical: Reaching, walking, standing, sitting, typing, talking, crouching, kneeling, occasional climbing and crawling, seeing, and hearing. Lifting up to 50 lbs.

Acknowledgment

The successful candidate will be required to follow any instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director. The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change the job description and related duties at any time.