Paraprofessional Specialist - Academic Scills

Paraprofessional Specialist - Academic Skills

Location:

Desert Ridge Junior High

Available from: 07/27/2026, Closing Date: 08/17/2026

Position Length: 9 months

Job Grade: 109

Hourly Rate: $17.63 and up depending on experience

Hours per day: 7 hours

Application Procedure:
Apply online

Fingerprint Clearance Card:
Must have a Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card prior to processing

Instructional paraprofessionals assigned to a school wide Title I campus become eligible for a supplemental financial incentive once required highly qualified status has been verified by the Office of Federal Programs.

The job of Paraprofessional Specialist is to assist in the supervision and instruction of severely or moderately disabled special needs students under the supervision of a certificated teacher; to observe and document student progress; to implement plans for instruction; and to provide assistance to students with special health care needs.

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher to provide an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities.
• Assists special education students requiring daily care (e.g., toileting, feeding, dressing, suctioning, tube feeding, lifting, positioning) to provide appropriate care and to develop students’ daily living and behavioral skills.
• Confer with teachers and/or therapists as appropriate for student needs and direction.
• Support instructional activities assigned by a teacher or therapist for individuals or small groups to meet learning goals as described by an IEP and/or district benchmarks.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior needs.
• Under the direction of a certified teacher or therapist, provide instructional materials as needed by individual students.
• Monitor special education students (e.g., lunch, playground, classroom, field trips) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Participate as a provider in the recording, reporting and gathering of data for the Direct Service Claiming (DSC) program to meet DSC requirements.
• Perform record keeping (daily data on instruction and/or behavior) and clerical functions.
• Respond to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns.

• Assists other personnel as may be required to support them in the completion of their work activities.

Mental Requirements

Learning Development
- Level B - Sufficient to read and write technical information and instructions, perform basic arithmetic calculations, understand commonly used procedures and methods, or operate equipment that requires some training. Equivalent to completion of a high school curriculum.

Problem Solving
- Level 1 - Work situations are routine and regularly recurring, requiring attention and concentration, but limited discretion, consideration, and planning.

Physical Requirements

Physical Skill
- Level A - Basic level of learned physical skill is required; no special coordination beyond normal mobility and handling of everyday objects.

Physical Effort
- Level 2 - Job requires light physical effort as part of the regular work routine, such as frequent standing and walking, frequent lifting, guiding, and/or carrying of light-weight materials or equipment, occasional periods of sustained effort.

Social Requirements

Human Relations Skill
- Level B - Requires patience in communication and well-developed verbal skills to exchange technical or complex information with individuals or small, informal groups; skills in establishing harmonious relationships and gaining cooperation.

Scope of Contacts
- Level 1 - Important contacts are with peers in the immediate work group and immediate supervisor; occasional contact with individuals outside the organization may occur.

Work Environment

Performance Environment
- Level A - Changes in environments, work pressure, disturbances of workflow, and irregularities in work schedule are infrequent.

Physical Working Conditions
- Level 3 - Frequent exposure to moderately hazardous conditions resulting in significant threat to health and safety (undesirable assignments).

Accountability

Level of Accountability
- Level B - Responsible for producing high-level work output independently under supervisory direction and review.

Organizational Impact
- Level 1 - Work results impact the immediate work section with little effect beyond, facilitating the work of others in a specific work group.

Experience: Job-related experience is desired.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. All Paraprofessionals at a Title I campus must have: an associate degree; AA degree; 60 college credits; or evidence of passing the Para Pro Assessment Test.

Certifications/Clearances: Must possess a valid Arizona DPS Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card while employed. CPR/First Aid Certificate. As requested by the supervisor, maintain current CPI certification.