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Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - RISE (Centralized Autism Classroom)

Mesa County Valley School District 51

Grand Junction, CO

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About the role

Job Title: Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - RISE (Centralized Autism Classroom)

Pay Program: Support Staff, Non-Exempt

Pay Range: Range 8 ($19.68 - $21.96)

Work Year: 177 days / 7 .5 hours per day

Reports to:  Building Administrator/Sped Coordinator 

Summary

Operating under the direction of the Building Leader and licensed special education staff, this position provides instructional, behavioral, communication, and personal-care support to students with autism.  This position assists with implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supports structured routines, reinforces social communication and self-regulation skills, and uses visual, sensory, and behavioral supports to help students access learning.  This position may provide one-on-one or small-group support and contributes to a safe, predictable, and supportive environment that promotes academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.

Job Responsibility Description

Instructional Support

  • Support delivery of teacher-directed instruction in individual, small-group, and classroom settings.
  • Assist in implementing IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications for students with autism.
  • Utilize structured teaching strategies, visual supports, schedules, and sensory tools to enhance student engagement.
  • Reinforce communication skills using strategies such as modeling, prompting, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as trained.
  • Prepare and organize materials to support instruction, routines, and transitions.

 

Behavior Monitoring and Support

  • Assist with implementing positive behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and classroom behavior systems.
  • Support students in developing self-regulation, coping strategies, and replacement behaviors.
  • Use district-approved de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies.
  • Assist with responding safely to challenging behavior, including physical intervention when authorized and necessary.
  • Monitor student behavior and social responsiveness across settings (classroom, recess, cafeteria, specials, etc.)

 

Personal Care and Hygiene Support

  • Provide personal-care support, including toileting/diapering, hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, or medication support under direction or delegation by a School Nurse (RN).
  • Assist with positioning, transfers, and use of adaptive or sensory equipment per training.
  • Follow student health and safety plans developed by nursing and related service providers.

 

Data Collection and Documentation

  • Collect data on academic, behavioral, communication, and social goals as directed.
  • Track student performance, behavior frequency, and program participation.
  • Share observations with licensed staff to support progress monitoring and instructional adjustments.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential documentation.

 

Student Supervision and Safety

  • Supervise students during transitions, recess, lunch, arrival/dismissal, field trips, and other school settings.
  • Assist during bus loading/unloading when assigned.
  • Monitor for safety risks and support safe decision-making.
  • Ensure use of safe practices during sensory activities, movement, or play.

 

Professional Development and Meetings

  • Participate in team planning, staff meetings, and building-level professional development as assigned.
  • Collaborate with special educators, related service providers (OT, PT, SLP), and support staff to meet student needs.

 

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
  • Associate's degree, completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework, or a passing score on the WorkKeys assessment (or other approved assessment) required for Title I schools
  • Two years of experience working with children required
  • Prior school district experience preferred
  • Experience working with students with autism or diverse learning needs preferred
  • Coursework or training in special education, autism support, applied behavior analysis (ABA), communication systems, or related areas 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 driver's 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
  • Small Vehicle Permit preferred

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of autism characteristics and support needs, including communication, sensory regulation, and structured routines.
  • Ability to implement visual supports, schedules, prompting strategies, sensory tools, and structured learning environments.
  • Ability to support communication systems such as AAC devices, PECS, modeling, or functional communication strategies (training provided).
  • Skill in implementing behavior intervention plans and using positive behavior supports.
  • Ability to use calm redirection, de-escalation, and crisis-prevention techniques.
  • Ability to remain calm when faced with challenging student behavior, including physically or verbally aggressive behavior
  • 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: 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