2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant​/Special Needs HQ - Whispering Wind

Instructional Assistant/Special Needs HQ – Special Education

Location: Whispering Wind Academy

Duration: 9 months (8/3/2026 – 5/27/2027), 6.5 hours per day

Grade & Pay: Grade 17, $17.50 per hour

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

Position Type: Non-Interim

• High School Diploma or GED
• One of the following:
• 60 postsecondary hours of college coursework
• Associate’s degree (AA)
• Passing score on the Para Pro Assessment
• Additional qualifying resources:
• ETS Parapro Assessment (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).)
• ACT Work Keys (http://)
• The Master Teacher Para Educator ()

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support classroom objectives.
• Administer tests, homework, make‑up work, and other assessments to aid teachers.
• Assist medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students with personal hygiene, feeding, medication, and other health‑related needs.
• Attend meetings and in‑service presentations such as first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate with supervising staff, support personnel, and parents to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Escort students to and from destinations such as bathrooms, offices, and classrooms to ensure safe arrival.
• Implement behavior plans under teacher supervision for students with behavior disorders or special conditions.
• Intervene in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to diffuse confrontations.
• Document instructional materials and maintain files/records to meet mandated requirements.
• Model conversation, manners, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior.
• Monitor students’ daily schedules and behavior plans for safety and positivity.
• Oversee students during assigned periods in various school environments to maintain a safe learning space.
• Perform general clerical functions such as copying, filing, and data entry to support the instructional program.
• Provide instruction in academic, social, daily living, and job‑skills activities under teacher supervision to reinforce instructional objectives and IEP plans.
• Remain with students at all times to ensure safety and provide de‑escalation when necessary.
• Respond to emergencies to resolve immediate safety concerns.

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

The role requires significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. It involves 10% sitting, 60% walking, and 30% standing, under minimal temperature variations and exposure to injury or illness risks.

• CPR Certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• QBS Certificate
• Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Job related experience is desired.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or Title II of the Genetic Information Non‑Discrimination Act of 2008 may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.