Academic and Behavior Intervention Assistant

Academic and Behavior Intervention Assistant

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and continues to be voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

Starting Hourly Rate: $17.53/hr

Salary Placement Procedures: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum.

Education Procedures: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

Performance Pay: Eligible for up to $1,000 annual performance pay

Pay Grade: A13

Work Calendar: 9-month position

FT Status: 35 hours per week

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement, and health insurance

Overview:

The Academic and Behavior Intervention Assistant will support students requiring academic assistance and behavioral intervention. This role demands effective communication and a commitment to fostering student success both academically and behaviorally. Additionally, the assistant will provide specialized support to students with behavioral challenges, implementing positive behavior intervention plans, collecting data, and assisting educators to promote positive behavior and academic success.

Responsibilities:

• Implements the comprehensive program for academic and behavioral intervention, incorporating shared practices and strategies to support junior high school students in need.
• Implements curriculum materials and resources provided by school administration and educators to meet needs of students requiring academic and behavior intervention.
• Provides recommendations to school staff, including teachers and support personnel, on intervention strategies to meet each student’s needs.
• Supports and guides students participating in the program, addressing academic challenges, behavioral issues, and other needs as necessary.
• Implements proactive strategies for managing student behavior and promoting positive social interactions within the academy environment, establishing clear expectations and consequences.
• Collects and analyzes data related to student academic performance and behavioral outcomes, using findings to make recommendations to instructional decisions, program modifications, and interventions.
• Collaborates with teachers, counselors, administrators, and other staff to coordinate efforts and ensure alignment with school-wide goals and initiatives related to academic and behavioral support.
• Maintains open lines of communication with parents and guardians, providing regular updates on student progress, behavior, and participation in the academy program.
• Participates in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay up to date with best practices in behavior management and intervention techniques.
• Implements positive behavior intervention plans (PBIPs) with fidelity as designed by the school’s administration and educators.
• Assists students in developing coping strategies and self-regulation skills to manage challenging behaviors effectively.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

• Earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Meets the federal paraprofessional requirements (possession of an Associate’s degree, 60 college credits, or passing of paraprofessional exam offered by Mesa Public Schools).

Preferred Qualifications:

It is preferred that the applicant possess the following qualifications; however, the following qualifications are not required to be eligible for this position.

• Public school district experience.
• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Experience working with students.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs):

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description represent the knowledge, skill, abilities, and other characteristics necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KSAOs necessary for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Understanding and demonstrating the essential attitudes and skills of the Mesa Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Understanding behavioral challenges, particularly within an educational setting.
• Having excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Demonstrating patience, empathy, the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality guidelines related to student information.
• Working with a wide variety of students who have different strengths and needs.
• Engaging and fostering positive and productive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Having practical skills in interpersonal relationships, communication, organization, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Understanding current strategies and best practices related to the area of assignment.
• Seeking continuous improvement.