Instructional Assistant Special Education I - Self-Contained - Redbird Elementary School

Mesa USD 4 • Mesa, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant Special Education I assists, under the direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in monitoring and instructing special education students while implementing Individual Education Plans. The role supports students with academic, daily living, and health care activities and relieves teachers of routine clerical tasks. The position is based at Redbird Elementary School and is full-time, 32.5 hours per week, on a 9.25-month calendar. The base hourly rate is $17.57. Performance pay is available annually. New hires may receive a 1% increase to the base hourly rate for each verified year of like experience within the prior ten years beyond the position requirement, up to ten years. A 1% increase is also available for an associate degree or higher if the degree is not required for the position.

The role works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators. Work may take place in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms, supporting students with intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Daily activities vary with student needs, schedules, behaviors, and support plans. The position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and kneeling, and may require lifting or assisting students, commonly 25–50 pounds and sometimes more, including transfers to or from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment.

Mesa Public Schools states that it is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination in employment as described in its equal opportunity statement. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• An associate degree or 60 college credit hours at the time of hire, or passing the ParaPro Test provided free of charge by the district.
• 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, including basic software applications such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize and follow classroom guidelines set by the classroom teacher.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day.
• Ability to lift or assist students with physical disabilities, commonly 25–50 pounds and sometimes more, including transfers using wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom work or homework under teacher direction and reinforce classroom objectives through tutoring and guided practice.
• Assist with developing instructional materials and maintaining the classroom.
• Collect 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.
• Assist students with personal care needs related to severe medical conditions or physical limitations, which may include toileting, feeding, dressing, and suctioning.
• Accompany students as they transition across campus.
• Monitor individual students or small groups in classrooms or on the playground to maintain a safe, positive learning environment and 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 supporting teacher maintenance of student files and preparation of classroom materials.
• Participate in meetings to share information or improve skills and knowledge.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other assigned duties appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools.

Benefits

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Annual performance pay available
• New-hire base hourly rate increase for verified like experience beyond the requirement, up to ten years
• New-hire base hourly rate increase for an associate degree or higher if not required for the position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree