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

Paradise Valley Unified School District; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 19,309 - 27,501; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and optional dental/vision

Paid sick/personal time

Job summary

A public education institution in Arizona seeks an Instructional Assistant/Personal Care for special education to support students with specific needs. Responsibilities include adapting class activities, assisting with personal hygiene tasks, and collaborating with teachers and healthcare professionals. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, required certifications (CPR, First Aid), and experience in an educational setting, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability working with high-risk youth in an educational setting.
• Skills in maintaining accurate records and adhering to safety practices.
• Required CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional program for special needs students.
• Assist students with personal hygiene and health needs.
• Communicate with teachers and healthcare professionals regarding IEP objectives.

Skills

Safety practices adherence

Basic math skills

Communication with diverse groups

Problem solving

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Job-related equipment

Job description

Instructional Assistant/Personal Care – Special Education

Location: Desert Trails Elementary School

Term: 9 months, 6.5 hours/day (Dates: 8/3/2026 - 5/27/2027)

Grade: 16, $16.99/hour

Position Type: Non-Interim

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

Requirement: HS Diploma or GED

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant/SPED Personal Care is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for working with special need students one‑on‑one; following educational and specific behavioral plans; and reporting students' daily activities. 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 to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students (e.g., diapering, tube feeding) to maintain personal hygiene.
• Communicates with teacher/s and a variety of health care professionals (e.g., Speech Therapist, PTs, COTAs) to evaluate progress and/or implement IEP objectives.
• Documents student's daily activities (behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times) for daily logs and hourly activity records.
• Evaluates situations involving other staff, students, parents, the public, etc. to take action or provide referrals.
• Implements under teacher supervision behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders, reinforcing learning concepts.
• Maintains manual and electronic files/records for reference and mandated requirements.
• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides instruction (math, science, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, job skills) to implement IEP goals.
• Stays with student at all times to ensure safety, removes student when necessary, and de‑escalates situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Adhering to safety practices; preparing and maintaining accurate records; physical restraint practices.
• Basic math including fractions, percents, ratios; reading manuals; writing documents; presenting information; understanding multi‑step written and oral instructions.
• Age‑appropriate activities for high‑risk youth; grammar and punctuation; instructional methods and training.
• Scheduling activities; gathering and collating data; using job‑related equipment; flexibility; working with diverse individuals; confidentiality; teamwork; handling frequent interruptions.
• Problem solving to identify issues and create action plans; interpreting guidelines; moderate equipment problem solving.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; teamwork; maintaining rapport with students, employees, community.

Experience

Job‑related experience required.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates and Licenses

• CPR Certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• CPI Certificate (continuing education)

Clearances

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

Other

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.