Instructional Assistant - Special Needs Location: Eagle Ridge Elementary School Duration: 9 months, 6.5 hours a day Grade: 17, $17.50 per hour Non-Interim PositionStart Date: 08/23/2026 Benefits: ASRS Paid Sick Personal Time Medical and optional Dental Vision Highly Qualified HQ Requirements: HS Diploma or GED AND one of the following: + 60 postsecondary hours of college coursework + AA degree + Passing of ParaPro Assessment + ETS Parapro Assessment: https://www.ets.org/parapro + ACT Workkeys: http://www.act.org + The Master Teacher Para Educator: http://www.masterteacher.comPurpose Statement: The job of Instructional Assistant - Special Education is done for the purposes 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. Job Reports to: Teacher Site Administrator Essential Functions: 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 students 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 classrooms and/or work place, 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. Other Functions: Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: + High school diploma or equivalent + AND one of the following: - 60 postsecondary hours of college coursework - AA degree - Passing of ParaPro Assessment - ETS Parapro Assessment: https://www.ets.org/parapro - ACT Workkeys: http://www.act.org - The Master Teacher Para Educator: http://www.masterteacher.comSkills, Knowledge, and Abilities: SKILLS: required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. KNOWLEDGE: required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios, read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others, and understand complex multi-step written and oral instructions. ABILITY: required to schedule activities, gather and/or collate data, and use basic job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances, work with a variety of data, and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation, and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Responsibility: Responsibilities include working under direct supervision, using standardized procedures, leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others, utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the jobs functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organizations services. Work Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 10 sitting, 60 walking, and 30 standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness. Experience: Job-related experience is desired. Education: High school diploma or equivalent Equivalency: Required Testing: NACertificates and Licenses: CPR Certificate, First Aid Certificate, Continuing Educ. Training, QBS Certificate, Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Clearances: Criminal Background Clearance Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card: www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 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 Schools compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA, or Title II of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008, GINA may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.