2026-27 Instructional Assistant/SPED Special Needs EDP HQ - Desert Cove ES

Paradise Valley Unified School District; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 24,108; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick/Personal Time

Medical and optional Dental/Vision

ASRS

Job summary

A public school district in Phoenix is seeking an Instructional Assistant to provide support to special needs students, assisting in their care, instruction, and supervision. The role requires adaptability in classroom activities and collaboration with instruction staff. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and certificates in CPR and First Aid. The position offers $17.50 per hour for 6.5 hours a day over a 9-month period, along with benefits such as medical coverage and paid personal time.

Qualifications

• Must hold a CPR certificate.
• Must hold a First Aid certificate.
• Criminal Background Clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the supervision and care of special needs students.
• Adapt classroom activities under supervision.
• Document instructional materials and student behavior.

Skills

Safety practices

Basic math

Conflict resolution

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Instructional Assistant / SPED Special Needs EDP Highly Qualified

Location: Desert Cove Elementary School

Duration: 9 months, 6.5 hours per day

Grade 17, $17.50 per hour

Position type: Non-Interim Position

Dates: 8/3/2026 – 5/27/2027

Benefits: ASRS, Paid Sick/Personal Time, Medical and optional Dental/Vision

Highly Qualified (HQ) Requirements

• HS Diploma or GED and one of the following:
  • 60 post‑secondary hours of college coursework; or
  • AA degree; or
  • Passing of the ParaPro Assessment

ParaPro Assessment resources: ETS Parapro Assessment, ACT Workkeys, The Master Teacher Para Educator

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant – Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom, a self‑contained classroom and/or with an individual student; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non‑classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.

This job reports to Teacher and/or Site Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Administers tests, homework, make‑up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students (e.g. lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students (e.g. bathroom, office classroom, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destination.
• Implements under the supervision of assigned teachers, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts utilizing appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches for the purpose of diffusing confrontations and minimizing disruptions.
• Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical functions (e.g. copying, filing, data entry, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the instructional program.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; assisting in adapting to mainstream classroom/s and/or workplace; and ensuring students success in school.
• Remains with students at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of students, removing students when necessary and de‑escalating situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Skills required: Safety practices; operating standard office equipment; using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge required: Basic math (fractions, percents, ratios); reading various manuals; writing documents according to prescribed formats; presenting information to others; understanding complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions; instructional procedures and practices; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/behavior.

Abilities required: Scheduling activities; gathering and collating data; using basic job‑related equipment; flexibility to work with others; operating equipment with standardized methods; working with a wide diversity of individuals; problem‑solving independent issues; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; teamwork; handling constant interruptions; maintaining a positive rapport with students, employees, and community.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilizing some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Work Environment

Physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Sitting 10%, walking 60%, standing 30%. Minimal temperature variations and exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience

Job related experience is desired.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing

N/A

Certificates and Licenses

• CPR Certificate
• First Aid Certificate

Continuing Education/Training

• QBS Certificate
• Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances

• Criminal Background Clearance
• Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint)

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information Non‑Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.