2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Resource - Explorer MS

Young World Physical Education; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS

Paid Sick/Personal Time

Optional Medical, Dental and Vision

Job summary

Young World Physical Education in Phoenix, Arizona, is hiring a SPED Instructional Assistant for the 2026-27 school year. This role involves assisting special-needs students in various classroom settings and helping implement individualized education plans under teacher supervision.

The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma and demonstrate effective communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment.

Full benefits including ASRS, Medical, Dental, and Vision are also offered.

Qualifications

• Adherence to safety practices is essential in daily tasks.
• Knowledge of instructional procedures and age-appropriate activities is required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate effectively with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the supervision and instruction of special-needs students.
• Monitor student behavior and implement IEP plans under teacher supervision.
• Administer tests and assist in documenting instructional materials.

Skills

Adhering to safety practices

Instructional procedures and practices

Conflict resolution

Basic math

Maintaining positive rapport with students

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Standard office equipment

Relevant software applications

Job description

2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Resource - Explorer MS

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

Position Type: 6.75 hrs/day

Grade: 16

Pay: $16.99/hour

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

Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent (HS Diploma or GED)

Position Location: Paradise Valley USD 69 Explorer MS, Phoenix, Arizona

The job of Instructional Assistant – Special Education is performed to provide 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 position reports to the 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.
• Administers tests, homework, make‑up work, etc. to support 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.) to maintain personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) to acquire and/or convey information related to job functions.
• Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Escorts students (e.g., bathroom, office classroom, etc.) to ensure efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destinations.
• Implements, under the supervision of assigned teachers, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions to present and/or reinforce learning concepts.
• Intervenes in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to diffuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records to ensure availability of items, provide written reference, and/or meet 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 students’ daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g., class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene, etc.) to maintain 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.) to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs general clerical functions (e.g., copying, filing, data entry, etc.) to support 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.) to reinforce instructional objectives; implement IEP plans; assist in adapting to mainstream classrooms and/or workplace; and ensure student success in school.
• Remains with students at all times to provide for their safety, removing them when necessary and de‑escalating situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

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

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS: Adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment; using relevant software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records. KNOWLEDGE: Basic math (fractions, percent, ratios); reading manuals; writing documents in prescribed formats; 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. ABILITY: Scheduling activities; gathering and collating data; using basic job‑related equipment; working flexibly with others; problem solving; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; managing constant interruptions; maintaining positive rapport with students, employees, and community.

Responsibilities

Working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; sometimes utilizing resources from other work units.

Work Environment

Physical demands include significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Typically 10% sitting, 60% walking, 30% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and exposure to risk of injury 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

Clearances

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

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 Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

FLSA Status

Non Exempt.