What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paraprofessional, Special Education (Project Search) position at Mesa County Valley School District 51?
- Project Search Program Support
- Assist students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in developing job skills and transitioning into employment.
- Provide ongoing support, training, and career development for special educational students in partnership with Project Search Teacher and Community Hospital staff.
- Facilitate hands-on work experiences, ensuring students can apply and refine workplace skills.
- Match students with appropriate job roles, fostering skill development and long-term workplace success.
- Support students in self-advocacy, workplace safety, business etiquette, and interpersonal skills to build employment readiness.
- Employment Documentation and Workplace Orientation
- Assist students with employment paperwork, including applications, tax forms, and benefits enrollment, involving family/guardians as needed.
- Review workplace policies, employee rights, and payroll processes, and expectations to ensure job readiness.
- Guide students on professional conduct, social media awareness, and adherence to workplace policies to support successful employment.
- Data Collection and Documentation
- Collect daily data on students’ Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives.
- Maintain detailed case notes to support student success, legal compliance, billing/reimbursement processes, and Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requirements.
- Life Skills Development
- Teach students personal hygiene, professional dress, and workplace expectations to prepare for employment.
- Support students in time management, break scheduling, and meal planning in professional settings.
- Provide instruction on money handling, personal safety, decision-making, and appropriate peer interactions.
- Assist students with personal banking and daily money monitoring to foster independence.
- Student Health Support
- Provide health assistance to students under the direct supervision of a nurse.
- Administer and document medications in accordance with district policies and healthcare guidelines.
- Assist in managing non-life threatening health issues, following established procedures.
- Instructional Material and Administrative Support
- Prepare and organize instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
- Use computer programs to develop instructional resources and support IEP curriculum.
- Track and maintain accurate student attendance records.
- Other Duties
- Additional tasks, duties, and responsibilities may be assigned as needed/requested.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Minimum two years of experience working with children
- preference given for prior school district experience
- Minimum age requirement of 21
- Criminal background check required for hire
- Valid Colorado driver’s license
- Must obtain District’s Small Vehicle Permit within 60 days 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
- Due to the hospital-based work environment, the additional following requirements must be met:
- Immunization record with proof of MMR vaccination, Varicella vaccination, and TB test (within the last year)
- Flu vaccination required annually (or must wear a mask per hospital mandates)
- Lift test of up to 50lbs completed with Community Hospital
- Must pass a background check conducted through Community Hospital
- Position occasionally may require work at night and/or on the weekends as students’ vocational opportunities are scheduled. Employees' work schedule is adjusted accordingly.
- Ability to be adaptable and flexible with collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
- 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
- Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations with students
- Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
- Operating knowledge of district information technology systems and any other department specific software and equipment within 2 months after entering position
- Ability to be adaptable and flexible with critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
JobID: 11454
Position Type:
Special Education - Support Staff
Special Education - Support Staff
Date Posted:
4/3/2025
4/3/2025
Location:
Basil T Knight Center (BTK)
Basil T Knight Center (BTK)
Date Available:
2025-26
2025-26
Closing Date:
06/30/2025
Job Title: Paraprofessional, Special Education (Project Search)06/30/2025
Pay Program: Support Staff, Non-Exempt
Pay Range: Range 7 $18.45 - $20.57
Work Year: Student Contact Days
Reports to: Special Education Coordinator
Direct Reports: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Summary
Operating under the general supervision of the assigned teacher and Special Education Coordinator, this position supports students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in gaining job skills and transitioning into employment through real-world experiences and workplace readiness training. In collaboration with the teacher and hospital staff, this role provides hands-on coaching, career development, and essential life skills instruction to help students achieve long-term success. The position also assists with employment documentation, workplace orientation, health support, and administrative tasks, ensuring students receive comprehensive guidance throughout their transition to the workforce. This role is instrumental in fostering student independence, building employable skills, and ensuring program success within the district.
Note: This position is currently based at Community Hospital, requiring compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and health/safety regulation.
Essential Responsibilities - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility 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. Frequency of responsibility, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment.
Job Responsibility Description
Education and Experience
Acceptable demonstration of acceptable education and/or experience will be at the sole discretion of the District.
Licenses, Registrations or Certifications
Availability
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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
Salary : $18 - $21
