Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained - Whittier Elementary School

Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained - Whittier Elementary School

Mesa USD 4 Whittier Elementary - Mesa, Arizona. Open in Google Maps. This job is also posted in Mesa USD 4.

Job : 5741724

Final date to receive applications: Jun 06, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Posted: May 27, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type: Full-time (32.5 hours per week)

Base Hourly: $19.89

Class/Calendar: B21, 9.25 months

Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire

Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum

New Hire

Education:

1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Job Summary: To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans; to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to relieve teachers of routine clerical tasks.

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoring and guided practice.
• Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of classroom.
• Assist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed.
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression.
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy.
• Perform and provide support tasks in accordance with district procedures as required based on student needs, including but not limited to:
• Behavior management techniques where elopement behavior both on and off campus happens on a regular basis.
• District identified behavior management strategies (A.S.P.E.N.).
• Physical interventions to remediate severe emotional and behavior dysregulation when the students present as a danger to self or others.
• Transfers and/or lifts for non‑ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities.
• Tube feeding.
• Diapering (may require use of Hoyer hydraulic lift).
• Seizure intervention.
• Aerosol generating procedures.
• Frequently required to assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e., toileting, feeding, dressing, suctioning, etc.) to ensure their functioning in a school environment.
• Accompany students as they transition across campus.
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate social peer interactions.
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment.
• Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior.
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and provide classroom materials.
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge.
• Regular and on‑time attendance required.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools.

• Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the Para Pro Test provided by the district free of charge.
• Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by…