Special Education Paraprofessional 1:1

The Odyssey School of Denver is a diverse, K-8 Expeditionary Learning (EL) charter school. We believe in teaching students how to learn through a focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing them for high school and beyond. Our EL curriculum is supported by a robust outdoor Adventure program in which all students and staff participate.

The Dedicated Adult Support will report to and work closely with the Special Education Team and classroom teacher to support one student in the general education classroom. The Dedicated Adult Support works under the direction of the special education teacher, who plans and oversees the supports provided. Responsibilities include supporting teachers by providing assistance with educational, behavioral, social-emotional, physical and daily living needs of K-8 students with and without disabilities. This includes personal care and daily living support such as toileting, changing, feeding, and hygiene, as trained and directed. Candidates will be working in the classroom setting, supporting individual and group teaching, supervision of adventure activities and fieldwork, and coverage of lunch and recess. The job demands a professional who is inspired by teaching children and is dedicated to being a part of a learning community.

Essential Job Functions

• Implement accommodations specified in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), intervention plans, and teacher lesson plans, and carry out modifications as directed by the special education teacher

• Provide personal care support, including toileting, changing, feeding, and hygiene, as outlined in the student's IEP or health care plan and as trained

• Support follow-through of related service delegations (e.g., medication, adaptive equipment), as trained and directed

• Support implementation of behavior intervention plans, including redirection and de-escalation strategies, as trained

• Collect progress monitoring and behavior data as trained, under the supervision of the special education teacher

• Assist with multimedia activities, record-keeping, computer operation, and other activities as they pertain to supporting a special education student

• Prepare and set up educational materials

• Assist individual students and small groups with guided and independent practice to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers

• Support the student's access to social opportunities with peers

• Communicate informally with families about routine matters, in alignment with school and Special Education Team direction

• Discuss and coordinate instructional efforts with teachers and other educational staff

• Monitor student activity in classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, playgrounds and other locations, as required or requested

• Monitor student activity on fieldwork and adventure trips (extended overnight experiences lasting anywhere from 1–5 days)

• Complete training programs and attend meetings, as required

• Maintain the confidentiality of student information

• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Skills & Mindsets

• Desire and ability to provide a positive learning environment and promote student inclusivity

• Ability to provide personal care with patience, discretion, and respect for student dignity

• Ability to coordinate and work effectively with staff, the school community, and a diverse student population

• Ability to plan and organize work, at times with interruptions

• Ability to monitor and supervise assigned student activity for sustained periods of time to anticipate and maintain a safe environment

• Strong communication, technology and organization skills

• Experience working with diverse populations

• Commitment to outdoor education and adventure programming for students

Requirements, Salary, and Benefits  

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• This is a full-time position, 176 contract days as described in the school calendar

• Hours are Mon-Thurs from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm and Fri 8:00 am - 1:30 pm

• Salary starts at $23/hour based on experience.

• Includes health, dental, long term/short term disability and retirement benefits (PERA)