Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant

Peoria Unified School District•Peoria, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant supports students with disabilities on campus under the guidance of school administration and special education teams. The role assists teachers with instruction, provides individualized support across classroom settings, helps students access the general education curriculum, and implements teacher-directed accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The assistant also supports students’ academic, behavioral, sensory, and daily living needs and may perform additional duties such as playground or cafeteria monitoring. This role offers hands-on experience in education and the opportunity to support students’ learning, growth, and progress. It involves varied daily responsibilities and collaboration with teachers, students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

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 purposes.
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.
Be able 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 effectively de-escalate negative behaviors.
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 operating personal computers and using various software applications.

Responsibilities

Support the diverse needs of students with disabilities on campus, guided by school administration and special education teams.
Assist students across classroom settings with completing tasks and accessing the general education curriculum.
Implement teacher-directed accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans as outlined in students’ IEPs.
Teach and model workplace skills and positive behaviors.
Monitor, intervene, and redirect student behaviors, including using de-escalation techniques.
Help students use assistive technology to support learning.
Lead individual and small-group activities under teacher direction to reinforce learning objectives.
Maintain accurate student documentation and records, including timely updates to computerized records.
Assist students with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
Support individual student programs for behavior, sensory needs, and academics, including behavior support plans and sensory integration strategies.
Perform additional assigned duties, which may include playground or cafeteria monitoring.