2026-27 SPED Instructional Assistant/Special Needs HQ - Whispering Wind

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

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS

Paid Sick/Personal Time

Medical and optional Dental/Vision

Job summary

Paradise Valley Unified School District is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support special needs students at Whispering Wind Academy. The role involves adapting classroom activities, administering tests, and assisting with personal hygiene and health-related needs. Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED and certifications in CPR and First Aid. Job-related experience is desired, and strong communication skills are essential. The position offers a supportive work environment with a focus on student safety and learning.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Experience with special needs students is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal hygiene and medication for students.
• Communicate with staff and parents regarding student progress.
• Document instructional materials and maintain records.

Skills

Adapt classroom activities

Assist medically fragile students

Implement behavior plans

Monitor students' safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

60 postsecondary hours of college coursework

Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Job description

Instructional Assistant/Special Needs HQ – Special Education

Location: Whispering Wind Academy

Duration: 9 months (8/3/2026 – 5/27/2027), 6.5 hours per day

Grade & Pay: Grade 17, $17.50 per hour

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

Position Type: Non-Interim

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• One of the following:
• 60 postsecondary hours of college coursework
• Associate’s degree (AA)
• Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment
• Additional qualifying resources:
• ETS Parapro Assessment (https://www.ets.org/parapro)
• ACT WorkKeys (http://www.act.org)
• The Master Teacher Para Educator (http://www.masterteacher.com/ParaEducator-PD-Now)

Essential Functions

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support classroom objectives.
• Administer tests, homework, make‑up work, and other assessments to aid teachers.
• Assist medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students with personal hygiene, feeding, medication, and other health‑related needs.
• Attend meetings and in‑service presentations such as first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate with supervising staff, support personnel, and parents to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Escort students to and from destinations such as bathrooms, offices, and classrooms to ensure safe arrival.
• Implement behavior plans under teacher supervision for students with behavior disorders or special conditions.
• Intervene in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches to diffuse confrontations.
• Document instructional materials and maintain files/records to meet mandated requirements.
• Model conversation, manners, and everyday interactions to demonstrate appropriate social behavior.
• Monitor students’ daily schedules and behavior plans for safety and positivity.
• Oversee students during assigned periods in various school environments to maintain a safe learning space.
• Perform general clerical functions such as copying, filing, and data entry to support the instructional program.
• Provide instruction in academic, social, daily living, and job‑skills activities under teacher supervision to reinforce instructional objectives and IEP plans.
• Remain with students at all times to ensure safety and provide de‑escalation when necessary.
• Respond to emergencies to resolve immediate safety concerns.

Other Functions

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

Work Environment

The role requires significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and fine finger dexterity. It involves 10% sitting, 60% walking, and 30% standing, under minimal temperature variations and exposure to injury or illness risks.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• CPR Certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• QBS Certificate
• Valid Arizona DPS Level I IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Additional Information

Job related experience is desired.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

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, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or Title II of the Genetic Information Non‑Discrimination Act of 2008 may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.