SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANT

Job Description

** Applications will be received until June 30, 2025 OR UNTIL FILLED. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **

About this job:

To provide a safe and learning environment for children, nurture a positive work environment that conducts students to the optimal growth and development. To interpret the philosophy of Denver Public Schools to faculty, staff, parents, visitors and the community. To ensure compliance of School District and Colorado Department of Human Services policies.

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Student Will Succeed.
• Hourly Rate $22.50
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.
• Schedule: Before and after school; hours vary, approximately 6:15am-9:00am and/or 2:00-6:00pm

What You'll Do:

• Provide care, support, and supervision to students during Discovery Link programming. Follow any IEP requirements and provide small group or 1:1 services as needed.
• Ensures that Colorado Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations are in compliance
• Maintain and facilitate open communication with parents, staff and students
• Interact positively with parents and refer questions and concerns to the Supervisor when needed and appropriate.
• Maintain a punctual, reliable schedule during program hours.
• Follow staff conduct guidelines outlined in the staff handbook.
• Perform facility maintenance and housekeeping duties as assigned and needed.
• Follow the general daily schedule for the program.
• Maintain appropriate standards for children's behavior following the discipline guidelines as outlined in the staff handbook; use the discipline log when necessary.
• Maintain the accident log and complete accident reports, with assistance from the supervisor, as required by Denver Public Schools and or child care licensing.
• Maintain licensing ratio for staff to child.
• Provide careful supervision of play areas to ensure children's safety.
• Assist in planning program curriculum.
• Attend all orientations, trainings and staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

Knowledge, Experience, & Other Qualifications:

• Must pass a CBI (Colorado) and FBI (Federal) background check.
• Must have at least three (3) months (or 460 hours) of satisfactory and verifiable work experience with school-age children -OR-a college degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education or related field.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be able to become First Aid, CPR and Standard Precautions certified
• Ability to relate positively to children and adults.
• Ability to build relationships and partnerships with diverse people and organizations; strong collaboration skills.
• Flexible, self-motivated individual.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Education Requirements:

• HS Diploma or Equivalent.

• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.


DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.