2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Special Needs - Copper Canyon ES

Location: Copper Canyon Elementary School

Multiple positions available – immediate start through 05/27/2027, 9-month assignment, 6.5 hours/day

About the role

The Instructional Assistant – Special Education provides support to the instructional program by assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special-needs students in regular classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and/or one-on-one settings. This position reports to the Teacher and/or Site Administrator.

Responsibilities

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Administer tests, homework, and make-up work to support teachers in the classroom.
• Assist medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students with personal care (e.g., lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication).
• Attend meetings and in-service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures) to acquire and convey job-related information.
• Communicate with instructional staff, support personnel, and parents to assist in evaluating student progress and implementing IEP objectives.
• Escort students to various locations (e.g., bathroom, office, classroom) to ensure safe and efficient transitions.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or special conditions, under teacher supervision.
• Intervene in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to de-escalate confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Document instructional materials and maintain manual/electronic files to ensure availability and compliance with mandated requirements.
• Model conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior.
• Monitor students’ daily schedules and behavior plans to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Supervise students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots).
• Perform general clerical tasks (e.g., copying, filing, data entry) to support the instructional program.
• Provide instruction to students in individual and group settings (e.g., academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills) under teacher supervision to reinforce learning objectives and IEP plans.
• Remain with students at all times to ensure safety, remove students when necessary, and de-escalate situations outside the classroom.
• Respond to emergency situations to address immediate safety concerns.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• QBS (Quality Behavioral Solutions) certificate (or ability to obtain).
• Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Job-related experience is desired but not required.

Skills & Abilities

• Skills: Adhere to safety practices; operate standard office equipment and software; prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge: Perform basic math (fractions, percents, ratios); read and follow multi-step instructions; understand instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development/behavior stages.
• Abilities: Schedule activities; gather and collate data; adapt to changing work priorities; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; handle constant interruptions; maintain positive rapport with students, staff, and community.

Work Environment

• Physical demands include significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity.
• Approximate time distribution: 10% sitting, 60% walking, 30% standing.
• Exposure to risk of injury and/or illness; minimal temperature variations.

Pay

$16.99/hour (Grade 16, non-interim position).

Benefits

• ASRS (Arizona State Retirement System).
• Paid sick and personal time.
• Medical insurance; optional dental and vision coverage.