Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Support - Mesa High School

Employment Type: Full-time (32.5 hours per week), 9.25 months

Pay

Base Hourly: $19.89

• New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum
• New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position
• Performance Pay: Available annually

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

About the role

To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans (IEP); to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to assist teacher of routine clerical tasks. Demonstrate capacity to operate independently with minimal input from the teacher.

Responsibilities

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, provide 1:1 and/or small group instruction tailored to student IEP goals
• Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom
• Proactively collect and monitor data related to academic and behavioral goals, demonstrating initiative and accountability while utilizing district-approved tools and systems
• Assist in modifying curriculum to meet individual learning needs
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
• Actively monitor and respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Act in accordance with district crisis intervention policy while implementing ASPEN protocols, first aid, CPR (training provided)
• Model and maintain use of de-escalation strategies to support students in behavioral and emotional distress
• Transfer and/or lift non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities
• Assist students with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students’ daily living activities and behavioral skills
• Assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing, suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
• Perform and act in accordance with training as required by the health office
• Accompany students as they transition across campus including but not limited to arrival and dismissal
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate peer interactions
• 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
• Perform Medicaid billing in school programs (training provided)
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Solicit feedback for continuous improvement and participate in professional learning and district-led professional development
• Collaborate with the SPED team focused on meeting student IEP goals
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles

Skills

• 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
• Ability to 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
• May be resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms
• 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)