Personal Care Assistant - Special Education

Sunnyside Unified School District; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 37,195,200 - 42,705,600; Full time

Job summary

Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, AZ is seeking an Instructional Support Staff/ Personal Care Assistant - Special Education to assist teachers in delivering education and daily living skills for students with special needs. The role involves personal care, mobility support, and helping with therapy-related activities within the Desert View High School setting.

The position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, and the ability to

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to obtain CPR certification.
• One year of childcare or classroom experience and one year of working with students with special needs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Fluency in both Spanish and English may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with instruction for students with special needs in school/classroom setting.
• Assist in related service activities (Speech, OT, PT, Adaptive PE and Pool Therapy).
• Prepare classroom materials, monitor and reinforce student behavior and performance.
• Instruct students and develop life skills with eating, toileting, dressing and hygiene activities.
• Assist with mobility and lifting up to 50 pounds; maintain a healthy and safe classroom.
• Communicate with parents and assist students in group or one-on-one settings.

Skills

CPR certification

Spanish-English bilingual

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Job description

• Position Type:
  Instructional Support Staff/ Personal Care Assistant - Special Education
• Date Posted:
  7/28/2026
• Location:
  Desert View High School
• Date Available:
  07/28/2026

DEFINITION

Under close supervision, assist teachers with the delivery of education and daily living skills curriculum and provide personal care and assistance in daily living and personal hygiene skills for special education students. These activities may include behavioral support or supervision and/or toileting, medical, mobility and communication assistance for special education students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledges, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).

TASKS

Assist teachers with providing instruction for students with special needs in school/classroom setting; assist in supporting related service activities of Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Adaptive Physical Education and Pool Therapy. These duties also require assistance to prepare classroom materials for instructional activities; monitor and reinforce student behavior and performance; instruct students and develop life skills through assistance with eating, toileting, dressing and hygiene activities; assist in maintaining classroom setting, preparing lessons; support positive strategies to promote behavior, daily living skills and academic instruction; communicate with parents, and assist students in a group and/or one on one basis; attend workshops and meetings when appropriate. Assist teacher with making copies, filing paperwork, tutoring students, grading homework and tests; organize materials and prepare classroom for instruction; monitor students before and after school and during lunch/recess/specials; assist student with mobility-must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds; monitor and assists students with eating, toileting, and personal hygiene; aide in occupational and physical therapy for students throughout the school day; ensure a healthy and safe environment; clean and sanitize classroom setting, materials toys, mats, and tables; document any student-related incidents or injuries; perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of District policies and procedures
• Knowledge of developmental, physical and mental delays and disorders
• Knowledge of special education or special needs accommodations
• Knowledge of standards for special education.
• Skill in utilizing sensory/therapy equipment.
• Skill in monitoring and assisting with positive learning behaviors.
• Skill in assisting and monitoring students participating in Pool Therapy.
• Skill in providing positive behavior supports.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication
• Skill in following oral and written instructions
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. Works requires frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. May be exposed to infectious diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Must be able to obtain CPR certification
• One (1) year of childcare or classroom experience and one (1) year of working with students with special needs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Additional certifications may also be required as specified by the District.
• Depending on the needs of the District, some incumbents in this class must be able to demonstrate fluency in both Spanish and English as a condition of employment.

Salary Grade: H Hourly Pay: $20.35 Hours per Day: 7.0 Days: 195