Instructional Assistant Special Education I - Self Contained - Smith Junior High School

Mesa USD 4•Mesa, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years. East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years. This full-time position (32.5 hours per week) involves assisting certified teachers and specialists in the instruction and monitoring of special education students. The role includes implementing Individual Education Plans, helping students with academic, daily living, and healthcare activities, and relieving teachers of routine clerical tasks. The position is based at Smith Junior High School.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge
Experience working with children
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoring and guided practice
Assist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of classroom
Assist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructed
Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
May be required to assist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
Accompany students as they transition across campus
Monitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate social 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
Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
Regular and on-time attendance required
Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools