SPED Instructional Assistant​/Resource - Explorer MS

2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Resource - Explorer MS

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

Position Type: 6.75 hrs/day

Grade: 16

Pay: $16.99/hour

Benefits: ASRS, Paid Sick/Personal Time, optional Medical, Dental and Vision

Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent (HS Diploma or GED)

Position Location: Paradise Valley USD 69 Explorer MS, Phoenix, Arizona

The job of Instructional Assistant – Special Education is performed to provide support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special‑needs students in the regular classroom, a self‑contained classroom and/or with an individual student; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non‑classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

This position reports to the teacher and/or site administrator.

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make‑up work, etc. to support teachers in the classroom.
• Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students (e.g., lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) to maintain personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) to acquire and/or convey information related to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students (e.g., bathroom, office classroom, etc.) to ensure efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destinations.
• Implements, under the supervision of assigned teachers, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions to present and/or reinforce learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to diffuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records to ensure availability of items, provide written reference, and/or meet mandated requirements.
• Models conversation, manners, clean‑up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors students’ daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g., class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene, etc.) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical functions (e.g., copying, filing, data entry, etc.) to support the instructional program.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills, etc.) to reinforce instructional objectives; implement IEP plans; assist in adapting to mainstream classrooms and/or workplace; and ensure student success in school.
• Remains with students at all times to provide for their safety, removing them when necessary and de‑escalating situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns.

Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS:

Adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment; using relevant software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records. KNOWLEDGE:
Basic math (fractions, percent, ratios); reading manuals; writing documents in prescribed formats; understanding complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions;…