Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant

Peoria Unified School District•Peoria, AZ

3d•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, inclusive learning environment. The role assists teachers and special education teams in supporting student learning, implementing individualized education plans, and helping students develop academic, workplace, behavioral, and self-help skills. The position offers experience in education and opportunities to build communication, organization, and time-management skills. The assistant works across classroom settings, supports individual and small-group activities under teacher direction, helps students use assistive technology, and assists with activities of daily living. The role also includes maintaining student records, supporting behavior and sensory programs, and performing other assigned duties such as playground or cafeteria monitoring. The position is a 9-month term, with a salary range of $16.50–$17.70, depending on experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Pass a background clearance check.
Possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Provide a Social Security number for AHCCCS provider requirements.
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 written and oral fluency in English.
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 various software applications.

Responsibilities

Support students with disabilities on campus under the guidance of school administration and special education teams.
Assist students in multiple classroom settings with tasks and access to the general education curriculum.
Implement teacher-directed accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Teach and model workplace skills and positive behaviors.
Monitor, intervene, and redirect student behaviors, using de-escalation techniques as needed.
Help students use assistive technology to support learning.
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 activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
Support individual student behavior, sensory, and academic programs, including behavior support plans and sensory integration strategies.
Perform additional assigned duties, which may include playground or cafeteria monitoring.