Douglas County School District·Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Provides specialized, intensive support to students with complex emotional and behavioral needs by implementing crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies. Collaborates with the special education team to facilitate social-emotional learning and ensure a safe, therapeutic learning environment.
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Job Posting Title: Educational Assistant (EA IV) - Affective Needs (AN) Program
Provides specialized, intensive, and individualized support to students with Affective Needs (AN), who exhibit complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. As a critical member of the special education team, is primarily responsible for implementing crisis intervention strategies, facilitating emotional regulation, and fostering a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment. Develops and promotes good community relations among various community members and school clientele.
Occasional lifting of forty (40) to seventy (70) pounds Frequent bending, standing, sitting, walking Occasional reaching, kneeling, bending, squatting, or standing Ability to run short distances
General classroom equipment.
Mostly clean and comfortable. Some classroom level noise. Position Specific Information (if Applicable):
Instructional Support: Assist the Special Education Teacher with the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to social, emotional, and academic development. Support students in accessing the curriculum, completing assignments, and managing the demands of the school environment, including tasks that are modified or accommodated based on the IEP. Facilitate restorative practices and social skills groups as directed by the teacher or school mental health professionals. Support students' successful transition and integration into the general education setting by providing scaffolding and emotional support. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. Emotional & Behavioral Support: Implement student-specific crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies with fidelity, adhering to established protocols (e.g., Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - CPI). Provide consistent and calm support to students during moments of emotional distress or behavioral crisis, facilitating a return to regulation. Assist students with developing and utilizing social-emotional learning (SEL) and coping skills, and support their appropriate use of a sensory/safe room or designated therapeutic space. Implement student-specific Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), focusing on proactive strategies and teaching replacement behaviors. Collect and maintain accurate daily data on student behavior and emotional progress as required by the IEP team. Program & Safety Support: Maintain a high level of situational awareness to proactively identify and address escalating behaviors in the classroom and throughout the school. Collaborate closely with the Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Counselor, Social Worker, and other mental health professionals to ensure a unified approach to student support. Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of all students, responding effectively to all safety and crisis concerns. Respect confidentiality regarding student needs and abilities.
37.5
$19.84 USD - $30.55 USD Hourly All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.
This position is eligible for health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options. Time Off Plans: This position is eligible for paid sick and personal time. This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past: November 12, 2026
Market context
In Colorado, Educational Assistant roles in affective needs programs are often tied to steady demand in schools serving students with behavioral and emotional support needs. This role is competitive because it requires calm crisis response, physical lifting ability, and current American Heart Association First Aid and CPR certification; the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting, saving you research time. If you are considering applying, confirm you can meet the physical demands and certification requirements before submitting.
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