2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Special Needs HQ - North Canyon HS

Paradise Valley Unified School District; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS

Paid Sick/Personal Time

Optional Medical, Dental & Vision

Job summary

Paradise Valley Unified School District is seeking a SPED Instructional Assistant HQ at North Canyon High School. This non-interim, 9-month position provides support to students with special needs within regular or self-contained classrooms, following IEP objectives and school procedures.

Responsibilities include assisting with instructional plans, supervising students, and maintaining safety and respectful behavior in a diverse environment. Requires HQ qualifications as outlined.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED with additional credential options.
• Postsecondary coursework or degree may satisfy the HQ requirement.
• Passing the ParaPro Assessment is acceptable for HQ eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional program in various classroom settings.
• Assist with supervising and caring for special needs students.
• Assist with implementing IEP objectives under supervision.

Education

HS Diploma or GED

60 postsecondary hours

AA degree

ParaPro Assessment

Tools

ETS Parapro Assessment

ACT Workkeys

Job description

SPED Instructional Assistant / Special Needs HQ

Location: North Canyon High School

Non Interim Position

9 mos, 6.75 hrs/day

Grade 17, $17.50/hour

Benefits: ASRS, Paid Sick/Personal Time, Optional Medical, Dental & Vision

Highly Qualified (HQ) Requirements

• HS Diploma or GED and one of the following:
  • 60 postsecondary hours of college coursework
  • AA degree
  • Passing of ParaPro Assessment
• ETS Parapro Assessment (https://www.ets.org/parapro)
• ACT Workkeys (http://www.act.org)

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant – Special Education is to provide support to the instructional program. Responsibilities include supervising, caring for, and instructing special needs students in the regular classroom, a self‑contained classroom, or individually. The role involves implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior outside of classroom time, and providing information to school personnel.

Essential Functions

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support classroom objectives.
• Administer tests, homework, and make‑up work to support teachers in the classroom.
• Assist medically fragile or developmentally delayed students with lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, and other personal hygiene needs.
• Attend meetings and in‑service presentations (first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) to acquire and convey job‑related information.
• Communicate with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Escort students to and from destinations (bathroom, office, classroom) to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team under teacher supervision.
• Intervene in potential conflicts using appropriate physical or therapeutic techniques to diffuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Document instructional materials and maintain manual and electronic files/records to meet mandated requirements.
• Model conversation, manners, clean‑up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitor student daily schedules and behavior plans to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Supervise students during assigned periods across school environments (rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeteria, etc.) to maintain safety.
• Perform general clerical functions (copying, filing, data entry) to support the instructional program.
• Provide instruction in individual and group activities (academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills) to reinforce instructional objectives, implement IEP plans, and assist students in adapting to mainstream classrooms or workplaces.
• Remain with students at all times to ensure their safety, remove them when necessary, and de‑escalate situations outside the classroom.
• Respond to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

Perform 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 required: adhere to safety practices; operate standard office equipment and software; prepare and maintain accurate records.

Knowledge required: basic math (fractions, percentages, ratios); read manuals; write documents in prescribed formats; understand complex, multi‑step written and oral instructions; master instructional procedures; age‑appropriate student activities; safety practices; conflict resolution; stages of child development and behavior.

Abilities required: schedule activities; gather and collate data; use basic job‑related equipment; flexibly work with others in varied circumstances; interpret data and solve moderate problems; adapt to changing work priorities; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; collaborate as part of a team; manage interruptions; maintain positive rapport with students, employees and community.

Responsibility

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

Work Environment

Physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, occasional climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. Job requires 10% sitting, 60% walking, and 30% standing. Conditions include 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

None.

Certificates and Licenses

CPR Certificate; First Aid Certificate.

Continuing Educ./Training

QBS Certificate; maintain certificates and/or licenses.

Clearances

Criminal Background Clearance.

Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card. Visit www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint.

FLSA Status

Non Exempt.

Equal Opportunity

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. For Title VI, Section 504, ADA or GINA compliance inquiries, contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.