“Our mission is to ensure that every student develops the enduring knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in a changing world.”
Position: Special Education Paraprofessional
School Year: 2025-2026
Location: Basalt Middle School
ROLE DEFINITION
Under direction of a principal or assistant principal, Paraprofessionals assist the classroom teacher, special education teacher, or provider with the supervision and instruction of students according to the student’s IEP.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
- Receives direct supervision from the preschool director, principal, or assistant principal.
- Receives day to day direction from the classroom teacher, special education teacher or special service provider.
PRIMARY DUTIES
- Under teacher direction, provide support in all areas of the classroom; assist with classroom instruction and classroom management.
- Assist and support the teacher in carrying out class rules and expectations to maintain a productive learning environment.
- Assist in covering the class when the teacher is involved in assisting another student or out of the classroom.
- Assist the teacher in enforcing expectations for appropriate classroom behavior and if needed provide clear consequences for inappropriate behavior.
- Provide adequate supervision of students at all times; escort, assist and supervise students in the hallways, lunchroom, playgrounds or outside areas and at school assemblies.
- Assist in proctoring tests.
- Assist the teacher with preparing and organizing instructional materials.
- Conduct small group and individual instruction according to the teacher's lesson plans.
- Assist and support students in routine classroom classroom housekeeping responsibilities.
- Report to work on time and accurately record time worked.
- Monitor student progress and communicate progress to students, parents, teachers and administrators.
Additional Duties for Special Education Paraprofessionals:
- Administers, under supervision, assistance to children needing medical support (e.g. tube feeding, toileting, diapering, etc.)
- Adapts classroom work under the direction of the teacher or special service provider / case manager.
- Under direction from the case manager, implements plans to meet the student's social and daily living skills.
- Implements, under teacher direction, instructional programs in accordance with the IEP.
- Monitors individual students in the classroom, library, hallways, playground, or other outside areas.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of
- Classroom management
- Basic knowledge of Standards Based Education
- Children with special health care needs
- Age appropriate activities
- Stages of child development
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Modern office procedures and methods.
- Basic computer knowledge
Ability to
- Perform clerical duties such as filing and copying
- Work efficiently with a service oriented attitude under stressful situations with constant interruption
- Effectively manage time and multiple responsibilities
- Work independently in the absence of supervision
- Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Monitor and record student data
EXPERIENCE & TRAINING GUIDELINES
Education
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required. In order to be highly qualified, the paraprofessional must pass the paraprofessional test or possess an associate's degree in any field of study.
WORKING CONDITIONS
A paraprofessional typically needs to be able to lift and move individuals weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, with the potential to lift heavier weights with the assistance of lifting equipment like a Hoyer lift depending on the specific needs of the student; this may include bending, squatting, kneeling, and reaching to assist with transfers and other physical tasks. Key points about lifting requirements for a Severe special needs paraprofessional:
- Varying weight capacity:
The exact weight lifting capacity required will depend on the individual student's needs and physical abilities. - Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties including lifting student weighing up to 50 pounds into and out of wheelchairs and special equipment
- Proper lifting techniques:
Safe lifting techniques like bending at the knees, keeping a wide base of support, and engaging core muscles are crucial. - Use of assistive devices:
For heavier individuals, a Hoyer lift or other mechanical lifting equipment may be necessary to safely transfer students. - Physical demands beyond lifting:
In addition to lifting, paraprofessionals may need to perform other physically demanding tasks like pushing wheelchairs, standing for long periods, and assisting with mobility activities.
A paraprofessional may require the ability to:
- Assists severely disabled students with personal hygiene and grooming functions such as toileting, feeding, tube feeding, and/or suctioning in a proper manner.
SALARY RANGE AND DAYS WORKED
- Hourly Rate: $21.88 - $27.10 per hour based on experience.
- Full time 37.5 hours per week
Benefits: The Roaring Fork School District offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid personal and sick leave, paid parental leave for mothers and fathers, a robust retirement plan under Colorado PERA with a district contribution of over 21.4% of an employee’s wages each month, Employee Assistance programs, and access to discounted ski passes and other community benefits.
About Roaring Fork School District (RFSD)
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) offers full district paid employee health benefits as well as voluntary vision, dental, and dependent coverage. Other benefits include: paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, and Employee Assistance Programs.
With 14 schools and 5,600 students, the Roaring Fork School District is located in the culturally vibrant and naturally stunning Roaring Fork Valley serving the communities of Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Basalt. The Roaring Fork Schools believe that teachers are our most important asset, and our teachers enjoy a true teacher voice in decision-making; clear and collaborative leadership; a highly competitive and progressive salary schedule; access to our affordable housing program; and a culture of self-care and well-being. We believe diversity is a strength, and our staff makes a real difference for our students who come from different ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Why Work for Roaring Fork Schools? Mary says it all! Check us out at: https://youtu.be/nYEsuFVucJ8
