Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant - Specialized Program

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? The Peoria Unified School District is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team of Instructional Assistants who play a vital role in fostering compassion, collaboration, support, and growth.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Support student learning by assisting teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons, while providing individualized attention to students, and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Develop valuable skills by enhancing your communication, organization, and time management skills while gaining hands-on experience in the educational field.
• Experience diverse daily tasks in a dynamic work environment with a variety of responsibilities, ensuring that no two days are the same.
• Find job fulfillment by taking pride in helping students achieve their academic goals and witnessing their growth and progress.
• Explore career opportunities by using this role to gain experience and further your career in education, whether by specializing in areas like Special Education Needs (SEN) or pursuing a teaching degree.

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 include:

• Supporting the diverse needs of students with disabilities on campus, guided by school administration and special education teams.
• Assisting 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).
• Fostering the development of workplace skills and positive behaviors through teaching and modeling.
• Providing proactive support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors to maintain a conducive learning environment, including the use of de-escalation techniques.
• Aiding students in utilizing assistive technology effectively to enhance their learning experiences.
• Leading individual and small group activities under teacher direction to reinforce learning objectives.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and records for student files, ensuring timely updates to computerized records.
• Assisting students with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility tasks.
• Supporting the implementation of individual student programs for behavior, sensory needs, and academics, including behavior support plans and sensory integration strategies.
• Performing additional duties as assigned, including but not limited to playground or cafeteria monitoring.

Additional duties for specialized programs include:

• Collaborating with the classroom teacher and related service providers to ensure consistency of instructional and behavioral support across the school day.
• Supporting the implementation of specialized program structures, instructional methods, and behavior systems with fidelity as directed by program guidelines.
• Providing behavioral support during times of student escalation, ensuring safety and adherence to district guidelines and best practices.
• Assisting students with expanded activities of daily living, which may include: eating/tubing assistance, transfers and mobility, positioning and physical support, and assisting with daily skills such as toileting.
• Use of assistive devices (e.g., communicative devices, standers, lifters, braces).

Knowledge and skills include:

• 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 include:

• A high school diploma or GED.

Other requirements include:

• Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• 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 one 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.