Special Education Instructional Assistant

Special Education Instructional Assistant Phoenix-Talent Schools Phoenix-Talent Schools is seeking a collaborative, student-centered instructional assistant to support students with disabilities in classroom, small-group, and individual settings. Position Details

• Location: Phoenix High School
• Schedule: 7.5 hours per day
• Salary: $20.71–$26.18 per hour, with starting placement based on qualifying experience and the classified collective bargaining agreement.
• Reports to: Principal
• Classification: Nonexempt
• Closing date: Open until filled

Position Overview The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports teachers in providing instruction, classroom management, and supervision that promote student learning and well-being. Responsibilities include reinforcing learning, supporting communication and social skills, assisting with personal care and physical needs, and maintaining student records under the direction of teachers and other designated staff. The successful candidate will bring a positive, collaborative approach, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to changing student needs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Employees perform some or all of the following duties, depending on their assignment:

• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce lessons and implement activities designed by teachers and specialists.
• Support students with academic learning, communication, social skills, adaptive physical activities, vocational skills, and daily living skills.
• Implement instructional and behavior support strategies as directed, including collecting and recording Individualized Education Program (IEP) data.
• Assist with student assessments, monitor progress, and communicate observations to teaching staff.
• Assist students with mobility, lifting, moving, positioning, feeding, toileting, and diapering, as assigned.
• Assist with health plans and medical protocols, including catheter and feeding-tube support when assigned, under the training and direction of the school nurse.
• Administer medications as authorized under district procedures and the direction of designated staff.
• Assist with physical management and safety interventions as assigned, subject to required training, applicable requirements, and district procedures.
• Supervise and support students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, field trips, vocational activities, and other school settings.
• Assist students with loading and unloading buses.
• Prepare instructional materials, organize classroom supplies, and assist with attendance, filing, copying, grading, and other records.
• Assist with IEP meeting preparation and participate in team meetings.
• Communicate with families about student progress when directed by the teacher.
• Maintain student confidentiality, follow safety procedures, and help maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Complete required district and assignment-specific training.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or successful completion of the WorkKeys exam or another comparable skills evaluation.
• Coursework in education or child development is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated word processing and clerical skills.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification and other certifications required for the assignment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English, follow instructions, maintain records, and prepare routine reports.
• Ability to use basic mathematics to support instruction and record keeping.
• General knowledge of computers, email, internet use, word processing, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to support student behavior, recognize student needs, and respond calmly with tact and sound judgment.
• Ability to collaborate with students, families, and staff from diverse language and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, work independently and as part of a team, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Preference may be given to applicants who are also fluent in spoken and written Spanish.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment The position involves frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and handling materials, with occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance. Work occurs in classrooms and other school settings, including outdoor activities. Duties may involve personal care, exposure to bodily fluids, varying noise levels, and responding to student needs during stressful situations. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. How to Apply Submit a completed application and résumé through the Online Application Portal. For questions about the application process or to request an accommodation, contact Human Resources at human.resources@phoenix.k12.or.us. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. All applicants will be notified when the position is filled. Nondiscrimination Statement Phoenix-Talent School District does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination in any programs or activities on the basis of protected class, including age, citizenship status, color, disability, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Employment Contingency Any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory criminal history verification. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered, and a conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.