Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant - Specialized Program

Peoria Unified School District•Peoria, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Peoria Unified School District is seeking an Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities and help foster a positive learning environment. The role assists teachers with instruction, provides individualized support, and helps students access the general education curriculum. The position is based at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria, Arizona, and is a 9-month appointment. The Instructional Assistant works across classroom settings under the guidance of school administration, special education teams, and teachers. Specialized-program duties include supporting instructional and behavioral program structures, responding to student escalation in accordance with district guidelines, and assisting with expanded activities of daily living. The role may also include playground or cafeteria monitoring and other assigned duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Pass a background clearance check.
Provide a Social Security number for AHCCCS provider.
Obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.
Complete training and maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities.
Ability to physically restrain a student using one of the OPI holds and run after students at risk of fleeing a safe location.
May be required to demonstrate fluency in written and oral English communication.
May be required to lift and carry supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds and lift students weighing up to 60 pounds.
May be required to work outside normal working hours and travel to perform work functions.
Familiarity with relevant federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
Understanding of Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
Knowledge of basic child development principles.
Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to identify, prevent, and de-escalate negative behaviors effectively.
Skill in instructing and assisting students with self-help living skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
Proficiency in operating personal computers and using software applications.

Responsibilities

Support students with disabilities across campus under the guidance of school administration and special education teams.
Assist students in completing tasks across classroom settings and accessing the general education curriculum.
Implement teacher-directed accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Teach and model workplace skills and positive behaviors.
Monitor, intervene in, and redirect student behaviors, including using de-escalation techniques.
Help students use assistive technology.
Lead individual and small-group activities under teacher direction to reinforce learning objectives.
Maintain accurate student-file documentation and update computerized records in a timely manner.
Assist students with daily living activities, including eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
Support individual behavior, sensory, and academic programs, including behavior support plans and sensory integration strategies.
Collaborate with classroom teachers and related service providers to provide consistent instructional and behavioral support.
Implement specialized-program structures, instructional methods, and behavior systems with fidelity as directed by program guidelines.
Provide behavioral support during student escalation while following district guidelines and best practices.
Assist with expanded daily living needs, including eating or tubing assistance, transfers, mobility, positioning, physical support, toileting, and use of assistive devices.
Perform additional assigned duties, which may include playground or cafeteria monitoring.