2026/27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Personal Care - Certified Nursing Assistant - Desert Trails ES

Paradise Valley Unified School District; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 19,889 - 28,326; Full time

Job summary

A local school district in Phoenix, Arizona seeks an Instructional Assistant/Personal Care CNA for the Special Education program. This role involves assisting medically fragile students one-on-one, administering medical assistance, and collaborating with teachers and staff to support student health needs. Candidates must have a high school diploma and required certifications. The position offers a 9-month contract with hours from 6.5 hours per day. If you are passionate about helping students, apply now.

Qualifications

• Must assist medically fragile students one-on-one.
• Required to administer first aid and medical assistance.
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist in classroom activities under the guidance of a teacher.
• Monitor students during various school environments.
• Collaborate with a nurse to meet student's educational goals.

Skills

Adhere to safety practices

Operating standard office equipment

Maintaining accurate records

Problem-solving abilities

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Medical Technician certification

Patient Care Technician certification

Certified Nursing Assistant certification

Job description

Instructional Assistant/Personal Care CNA - Special Education

Location: Desert Trails Elementary School

9 months, 6.5 hours/day

Grade 17, $17.50/hour

Non-Interim Position

Dates: 8/3/2026 - 5/27/2027

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant - Personal Care CNA is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting medically fragile students one - on - one; providing for their special health care needs; assisting the teacher with small group instruction; and collaborating with the nurse to meet student's educational goals.

This job reports to RN for Special Program

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 immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs and/or developing children's daily living activities and behavioral skills.
• Assists student with mobility concerns (e.g. wheelchair transfers, bus loading and unloading, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate 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.
• Collaborates with the nurse for the purpose of promoting and/or securing student health services; providing information and/or complying with care plan.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents (e.g. teachers, parents, counselors, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts student for the purpose of providing assistance and ensuring their safety.
• Maintains 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.
• Monitors student during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. lunch, bus stops, playground, classroom, field trips, public transportation, assemblies, kitchen, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

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 are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/ behavior of first aid and CPR.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; maintaining a positive rapport with students, employees and community.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of 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

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience

Job related experience is required.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency

Required Testing Certificates and Licenses

• Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Technician or Patient Care Technician

Continuing Educ./Training

• Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances

• Criminal Background Clearance
• Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint

FLSA Status

Non Exempt

EEO Statement

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 NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.