Instructional Assistant Special Education - Resource - Part Time - Westwood High School

Instructional Assistant Special Education I – Resource – Part Time – Westwood High School

Location: Mesa, Arizona

Employer: Mesa USD 4 Westwood High

Salary: $16.56 per hour (base hourly)

Benefits: None

Class/Calendar: A11, 9.25 months

Performance Pay: Available annually

New Hire

Experience:

1% of the base hourly rate for each year of verified experience beyond the requirement, up to a ten‑year maximum

New Hire

Education:

1% of the base hourly rate 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 monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing Individual Education Plans; to assist students in performing academic, daily living, and health care activities; to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.

• Deliver classroom work/homework and reinforce classroom objectives under teacher’s direction.
• Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom.
• Assist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed.
• Collaborate with certified personnel to implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors.
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy.
• Transfer and/or lift non‑ambulatory students to assist them in their daily activities.
• Assist students with personal hygiene and daily living activities.
• Assist students with severe medical or physical limitations in personal care needs.
• Accompany students as they transition across campus.
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate peer interactions.
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure safety.
• Model professional, safe, responsible, and respectful behavior.
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher.
• Participate in meetings to share information and improve skills and knowledge.
• Ensure regular and on‑time attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Assist other personnel in completing work activities.

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credits at time of hire, or pass the Para Pro Test provided by the district free of charge.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children.

• Demonstrates commitment to MPS Portrait of a Graduate and MPS Promise.
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students requiring specialized instruction.
• Excellent communication skills with students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to work well in stressful situations.
• Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, etc.) and ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Organizes and prioritizes tasks and follows classroom guidelines.

• Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators.
• May be in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self‑contained classrooms.
• Supports students with disabilities (intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical).
• Daily tasks vary based on student needs and support plans.
• Must stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently.
• May need to lift or assist students with physical disabilities (lifting 25–50 lbs, sometimes more).

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti‑discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

• High School or Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.