Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained - O'Connor Elementary School

Mesa Public Schools has been recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer in Arizona and by the East Valley Tribune as Best Place to Work in the East Valley.

Full-time (35 hours per week)

$19.89

B21, 9.25 months

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

Available annually.

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

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

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

• Deliver classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoring and guided practice under teacher’s direction.
• 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 based on student need, including behavior management techniques, district identified strategies (A.S.P.E.N.), physical interventions, transfers and lifts for non-ambulatory students, tube feeding, diapering, seizure intervention, aerosol generating procedures, and assistance with personal care needs.
• 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 to provide classroom materials.
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve skills and knowledge.
• Maintain regular and on-time attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

• 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.

• Model the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrate commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; ability to work well with students, staff and parents.
• Ability to work well in stressful situations.
• Computer proficiency using basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc).
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and follow classroom guidelines as set by the classroom teacher.

• Work closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators.
• May work in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms.
• Support students with disabilities, including intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities.
• Daily tasks can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day.
• May need to lift or…