Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Support - Part Time - Whittier Elementary School

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. Employment Type:Part-time (29 hours per week)Base Hourly:$19.89Class/Calendar:B21, 9.25 monthsBenefits:NonePerformance Pay:Available annuallyNew Hire Experience:1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximumNew Hire Education:1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the positionJob Summary:To assist, under direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in the monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans (IEP); to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to assist teacher of routine clerical tasks. Demonstrate capacity to operate independently with minimal input from the teacher.Key Responsibilities:Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, provide 1:1 and/or small group instruction tailored to student IEP goalsAssist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroomProactively collect and monitor data related to academic and behavioral goals, demonstrating initiative and accountability while utilizing district-approved tools and systemsAssist in modifying curriculum to meet individual learning needsImplement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggressionActively monitor and respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policyAct in accordance with district crisis intervention policy while implementing, ASPEN protocols, first aide, CPR (training provided)Model and maintain use of de-escalation strategies to support students in behavioral and emotional distressTransfer and/or lift non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activitiesAssist students with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students’ daily living activities and behavioral skillsAssist students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environmentPerform and act in accordance with training as required by the health officeAccompany students as they transition across campus including but not limited to arrival and dismissalMonitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate peer interactionsMaintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environmentModel professional, safe, responsible and respectful behaviorPerform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and to provide classroom materialsPerform Medicaid billing in school programs (training provided)Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledgeSolicit feedback for continuous improvement and participate in professional learning and district led professional developmentCollaborate with the SPED team focused on meeting student IEP goalsRegular and on-time attendance requiredPerform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unitAssist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activitiesAssists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public SchoolsRequired Qualifications:Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of chargePreferred Qualifications:High School Diploma or equivalent Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar rolesSkills & Competencies:Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a GraduateDemonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and communityAbility and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goalsAbility to work well with students, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work well in stressful situationsComputer proficiency to include use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc)Ability to operate standard office equipmentAbility to organize and prioritize and to follow classroom guidelines as put forth by classroom teacher Work Environment & Physical Requirements:Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administratorsMay be resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classroomsSupports students with disabilities, which may include intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilitiesEach day can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the dayMay need to lift or assist students who have physical disabilities, including transferring students to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25–50 lbs, but sometimes more)Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.