Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant

Position Title: Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant
Department: Exceptional Student Services
Supervisor: School Principal or Designee
Term of Employment: 9 months
Salary Classification: Grade 8

Job Summary: Join us in shaping the minds of tomorrow. Your support in the classroom paves the way for quality education. Are you passionate about education and eager to make a difference in students' lives? We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Instructional Assistants in Peoria Unified School District. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Support Student Learning: Assist teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons, providing individualized attention to students, and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Develop Valuable skills: Enhance your communication, organization and time management skills while gaining hands-on experience in the educational field.
• Experience Diverse Daily Tasks: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a variety of responsibilities, enduring that no two days are the same.
• Find Job Fulfillment: Take pride in helping students achieve their academic goals and witnessing their growth and progress.
• Explore Career Opportunities: Use this role as a steppingstone to further your career in education, whether by specializing in areas like Special Education Needs (SEN) or pursuing a teaching degree. 

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the diverse needs of students with disabilities on campus, guided by school administration and special education teams.
• Assist students across multiple classroom settings to complete tasks, ensuring access to the general education curriculum and implementing teacher-directed accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Foster the development of workplace skills and positive behaviors through teaching and modeling.
• Provide proactive support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors to maintain a conducive learning environment, including the use of de-escalation techniques.
• Aid students in utilizing assistive technology effectively to enhance their learning experiences.
• Lead individual and small group activities under teacher direction to reinforce learning objectives.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for student files, ensuring timely updates to computerized records.
• Assist students with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility tasks.
• Support the implementation of individual student programs for behavior, sensory needs, and academics, including behavior support plans and sensory integration strategies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including but not limited to playground or cafeteria monitoring.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with relevant Federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic child development principles.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in following oral and written instructions.
• Ability to identify, prevent, and de-escalate negative behaviors effectively.
• Skill in instructing and assisting students with self-help living skills.
• Completion of training in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in operating personal computers and utilizing various software applications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  A high school diploma or GED.
 
OTHER REQUIREI\\/IENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check.
• Must be able to provide a Social Security number for AHCCS provider.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.
• Must be able to complete training and maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities.
• Must be able to physically restrain a student utilizing on of the OPi holds; must be able to run after students who are at risk of fleeing from a safe location.
• May be required to demonstrate fluency in English: written and oral communications.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May be required to lift students weighing up to 60 pounds.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.