Instructional Assistant Special Education I - Self-Contained - Westwood High 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:Full-time (32.5 hours per week)Base Hourly:$17.57Class/Calendar:A11b, 9.25 monthsBenefits:Sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurancePerformance 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; to assist students in performing their academic, daily living and health care activities; to relieve teacher of routine clerical tasks.Key Responsibilities:Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, tutoring and guided practiceAssist the development of instructional materials and maintenance of classroomAssist in the collection of data on academic and behavior goals as instructedImplement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggressionRespond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policyMay 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 environmentAccompany students as they transition across campusMonitor individual and/or small student groups in classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate social 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 materialsParticipate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledgeRegular and on-time attendance requiredAssists 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 chargeExperience working with children Skills & 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 plansMust 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.