Lead Paraprofessional - Class 10 & 11 at Laradon in Denver, CO

Position: Lead Paraprofessional- 2 positions available Classroom 10 & 11 (Internal preferred)

Schedule: 8 am-4 pm, M-F. This position is a full calendar year.

Starting Salary Range: *$23.00/hr-$26.95/hr

*The stated starting salary pay range for this position is meant to reflect a range of where a typical entry level candidate would start and is not meant to be all inclusive. Additional education and experience may result in a starting pay outside of the stated range.*

If you genuinely care about providing youth and/or adults with a sense of direction and hope, then you’ll get huge satisfaction from this role. Your influence will not only impact the lives of youth and/or adults, but the community as a whole. Laradon staff work extremely hard and are challenged every day, but they play a key role in supporting the well-being of the individuals that we serve.

As a Lead Paraprofessional you will be a valuable asset to Laradon’s mission by supporting students in achieving their maximum potential by working with the Special Education Teacher to meet Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals, increase educationally acceptable behaviors and create a safe and positive learning environment. Take on the role of a Substitute Teacher as needed and mentor new Paraprofessionals.

No day is ever alike but you can generally look forward to the following responsibilities:

• Implement, track and record IEP goals, behavior support plans, crisis intervention techniques and any other skill areas needing improvement.
• Implement behavior support plans, crisis intervention techniques, and proactive/preventative techniques including positive reinforcement.
• Provide supervision while actively engaging students.
• Manage crisis according to established policies/procedures/guidelines.
• Effectively communicate, collaborate and coordinate with team members.
• Complete documentation according to procedures.
• Maintain respect, dignity and confidentiality of students, staff and parents.
• Assume the role of a mentor for new Paraprofessionals.
• Maintain a clean environment and be a positive role model to others.
• As Laradon is a small employer and employees work in a collaborative, team environment, employee must be physically present in the office to perform his/her job functions.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Substitute Duties
• Implement lesson plans, gather and prepare materials.
• Provide direction and monitor activities of Paraprofessionals.
• Communicate with families, caseworkers and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Mentor Duties
• Provide on-the-job training to new Paraprofessionals.
• Establish self as the “go-to” person including answering questions.
• Communicate with new employee’s supervisor.
• Review checklist and new employee binder.
• Complete summaries of meetings with the mentee.
• Drive participants as necessary for program needs.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• As Laradon is a small employer and employees work in a collaborative, team environment, employee must be physically present in the office to perform the different job functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

We proudly support our employees by providing the following benefits for this position:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance/FSA
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability 
• 401(k) + 4% Match
• Personal Days, Paid Sick and Safe Time, Wellness Day, and 9 Weeks Paid Breaks/Holidays
• Bilingual Pay Differential
• Tuition and Certification Reimbursement
• Student Loan Assistance
• Development, job growth, and internal training opportunities
• The opportunity to work in a dynamic, supportive, and rewarding environment alongside other Laradon staff – one where everyone is truly appreciated
• CDC and CDPHE protocols to ensure the safety and welfare of all employees

We believe in providing continuing education and development opportunities for our employees. To start you off right in your position, we’ll make sure you are trained in the following:

• All trainings deemed mandatory by Laradon
• Orientation
• Mandatory Reporting
• Incident Reporting
• First Aid/CPR
• Safety Care
• Defensive Driving
• Person Centered Training
• Trauma Informed Care
• Job Shadowing

We ask that you bring the following assets to our workplace:

• Bachelor’s degree with one or more years’ experience working with children with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders in an educational or instructional setting. Four or more years’ experience working with children with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders in an educational or instructional setting may be substitute for the Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Three or five year Substitute License through the Colorado Department of Education.
• Qualified Medication Administration Personnel training through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (QMAP-CDPHE).
• Ability to demonstrate patience, flexibility, strong communication skills and positive attitude.
• Valid driving license, good driving record, preferred
• Physical requirements include the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force; physical condition to enable walking, standing, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; stamina to be on feet and active for full work days.

Our commitment to you once you get here:

Laradon is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our DEI policy supports and strengthens Laradon’s mission of promoting advocacy, community access and independence for the individuals we serve and celebrating the unique differences and abilities of our employees.  We honor and celebrate the contributions of ALL individuals in our workplace and in the community.

To provide culturally competent services to individuals, students, guests, and staff/employees, our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, veteran status, religion, citizenship, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel a sense of belonging and value. We applaud everyone.

Our Values: 

Inclusion | Compassion | Advocacy | Respect | Empowerment