ESS Instructional Assistant - Candidate Pool

Somerton School District; Somerton (AZ); On-site; USD 20,264 - 22,868; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full health benefits package

Job summary

Somerton School District is seeking an ESS Instructional Assistant to support the instructional program in classrooms for special needs students. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, strong monitoring skills, and experience in classroom assistance roles.

The position offers a starting salary between $14.71 and $16.60, depending on education and experience. Successful applicants will be responsible for assisting teachers, monitoring students, and maintaining a safe learning environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of school learning methods and techniques.
• One (1) year classroom assistance experience preferred.
• IVP Fingerprint Card required at hiring.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students.
• Monitor student's daily schedule and behavior plan.
• Provide instruction to students in individual and group activities.

Skills

Monitoring and assisting students

Oral and written communication

Establishing relationships

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college preferred

Job description

ESS Instructional Assistant - Candidate Pool

Job Description

Applications will be accepted beginning Wednesday, December 10, 2025 12:00 AM (Pacific Standard Time).

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: All Schools
TYPE: Classified
STATUS: Non-Exempt
SALARY LEVEL: $14.71-16.60 depending on education/credit hours, DOE, recognize up to 5 year’s experience, 9 month position, full health benefits package
WORK CALENDAR: Varies by need
START DATE: Depends on need

REPORTS TO: Building Principal/Director of Exceptional Student Services

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non‑classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings for Somerton School District No. 11.

NOTE: Our Instructional Assistant application is open to all schools and while we may not have an immediate opening, we appreciate your submission for future needs. The applicant's information is placed into a "pool," this means no employment process will begin until a need exists. Principals and Directors access the applicant pool as needed to hire assistants. The applicant’s information will be kept on file for one year. Should the applicant want to update their materials after one year; a new and updated application will be required at that time.

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 tests, homework, make‑up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
• 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.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, crisis prevention/intervention, professional development, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Documents student's daily activities (e.g., behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of completing daily logs and student's hourly activities.
• Evaluates situations involving other staff, students, parents, the public, etc. for the purpose of acting and/or providing referral for resolution.
• 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.
• Models conversation, manners, clean‑up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining 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.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, reading, writing, behavioral skills, verbal skills, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school. Remains with student at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of student, removing student when necessary and de‑escalating situations outside the classroom.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
• Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of school learning methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of District policies and procedures affecting assigned work.
• Knowledge of District behavior modification program.
• Skill in monitoring and assisting students.
• Skill in elective oral and written communication.
• Skill in following oral and written instructions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments. Work requires frequent standing, walking, and sitting. Some positions may require bending and lifting up to 25 pounds. May be exposed to infectious diseases and body fluid borne pathogens.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college preferred. One (1) year classroom assistance experience preferred. IVP Fingerprint Card required at hiring. Proof of MMR Immunization & Hepatitis B Clearance.

CONTACT INFORMATION

343 N. Carlisle Ave
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]