Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained - SHARP

Job Summary

To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans; to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoring and guided practice
• Aid in the development of instructional materials and maintenance of classroom
• Aid in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Perform and provide support tasks in accordance with district procedures as required based on student need, including but not limited to:
• Behavior management techniques where elopement behavior both on and off campus happens on a regular basis
• District identified behavior management strategies (A.S.P.E.N.)
• Physical interventions to remediate severe emotional and behavior dysregulation when the students presents as a danger to self or others
• Transfers and/or lifts for non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities
• Tube feeding
• Diapering (may require use of Hoyer hydraulic lift)
• Seizure intervention
• Aerosol generating procedures
• Frequently required to assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
• Accompany students as they transition across campus
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and to provide classroom materials
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Aids in other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge
• Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals
• Ability to work well with students, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well in stressful situations
• Computer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Organize and prioritize and to follow classroom guidelines as put forth by classroom teacher

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators
• Supports students with disabilities, which may include intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities
• Each day can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day
• May need to lift or assist students who have physical disabilities, including transferring students to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25–50 lbs, but sometimes more)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.