SPED Instructional Assistant​/Special Needs -Desert Shadows MS

2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Special Needs - Desert Shadows MS

Paradise Valley USD 69, Desert Shadows Middle School, Scottsdale, Arizona

Job : 5742038

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

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

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

Instructional Assistant/SPED Special Needs

Location: Desert Shadows Middle School

Hours: 9 months, 6.75 hours per day

Pay: Grade 16: $16.99 per hour

Dates: 8/3/2026 - 5/27/2027

Benefits:

• ASRS
• Paid Sick/Personal Time
• Medical and optional Dental/Vision

Requirement: HS Diploma or GED

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant
- Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing 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 job reports to Teacher and/or Site Administrator.

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make‑up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting 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.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students (e.g., bathroom, office classroom, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destination.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teachers, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts utilizing appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches for the purpose of diffusing confrontations and minimizing disruptions.
• Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g., class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining 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.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical functions (e.g., copying, filing, data entry, etc.) for the purpose of supporting 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.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; assisting in adapting to mainstream classroom/s and/or workplace; and ensuring students success in school.
• Remains with students at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of students, removing students when necessary and de‑escalating situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

The candidate must possess a range of skills, knowledge, and abilities including adherence to safety practices, operation of standard office equipment, use of software applications, accurate record keeping, basic mathematics, and the ability to read and write instructions; familiarity with instructional procedures, child development stages, safety protocols, conflict resolution, and progressive learning; and the ability to schedule, collect and analyze data, operate equipment, work with diverse groups, solve problems, adapt to changing priorities, maintain…