2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Resource - Mountain Trail MS

Paradise Valley USD 69•Phoenix, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant- Special Education provides support to the instructional program by assisting with the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs in regular or self-contained classrooms and with individual students. The role supports implementation of instructional plans, monitors student behavior during classroom and non-classroom time, and provides information to appropriate school personnel. The position reports to a Teacher and/or Site Administrator and is based at Mountain Trail Middle School for nine months, 6.75 hours per day. It is a non-interim position with a stated start date of January 4, 2027. The assistant adapts activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction; supports classroom testing and related work; assists students with personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs; communicates with instructional staff, support personnel, and parents about progress and IEP objectives; and helps implement instruction and behavior plans. The role also supervises and escorts students, responds to emergencies, maintains instructional records and materials, models appropriate social behavior, and performs clerical and other related duties. The job requires a high school diploma or equivalent, job-related experience is desired, and candidates must hold CPR, First Aid, and QBS certificates and maintain required certificates and licenses. A criminal background clearance or valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card is required. The work involves substantial walking and physical activity, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Job-related experience is desired.
CPR Certificate.
First Aid Certificate.
QBS Certificate; required to maintain certificates and/or licenses.
Criminal Background Clearance or a valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Skills in adhering to safety practices, operating standard office equipment and pertinent software, and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge of basic math; ability to read manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, present information, and understand complex multi-step written and oral instructions.
Knowledge of instructional procedures and practices, age-appropriate student activities, safety practices and procedures, conflict resolution, and stages of child development and behavior.
Ability to schedule activities, gather or collate data, and use basic job-related equipment.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, work as part of a team, handle constant interruptions, and maintain positive rapport with students, employees, and the community.
Ability to work with a wide diversity of individuals and varied data, and to identify issues and create action plans.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the supervising teacher’s direction to support classroom objectives.
Administer tests, homework, and make-up work to support classroom teachers.
Assist medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students with personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs, including lifting, feeding, toileting, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy care, and medication as applicable.
Attend meetings and in-service presentations to acquire or convey information related to job functions.
Communicate with instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents to assist in evaluating student progress and implementing IEP objectives.
Escort students to destinations such as bathrooms, offices, and classrooms to ensure safe and efficient arrival.
Implement teacher-supervised behavioral plans designed by the IEP team.
Intervene in potential conflicts using appropriate physical or therapeutic approaches to diffuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
Document instructional materials and maintain manual and electronic files and records.
Model conversation, manners, cleanup activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
Monitor students’ daily schedules and behavior plans to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
Supervise students during assigned periods in school environments including restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, and parking lots.
Perform clerical functions such as copying, filing, and data entry.
Provide teacher-supervised individual and group instruction in academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, and job skills to reinforce objectives, implement IEP plans, and support student success and adaptation to mainstream classrooms or workplaces.
Remain with students to ensure safety, remove students when necessary, and de-escalate situations outside the classroom.
Respond to emergency situations to address immediate safety concerns.
Perform other related duties as assigned.