Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained - SHARP

Instructional Assistant Special Education II - Self-Contained - SHARP Location: Mesa, Arizona Job ID: 5780914 • Application Deadline: Jul 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time) • Posted: Jun 15, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC) • Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026 Position Type: Full-time (32.5–35 hours per week) Salary: $19.89 per hour Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance Performance Pay: Available annually New Hire Experience: 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. New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position. Job Summary Assist, under the direct supervision of certified teachers and specialists, in monitoring and instruction of special education students implementing the Individual Education Plans; support students in performing academic, daily living, and health care activities; and relieve teachers of routine clerical tasks. Key Responsibilities Deliver classroom work, homework, or reinforced classroom objectives, tutoring, and guided practice under the teacher’s direction. Assist the development and maintenance of instructional materials and classroom equipment. Collect data on academic and behavior goals as instructed. Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors, including verbal and physical aggression. Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy. Perform and provide support tasks in accordance with district procedures, including behavior management techniques for elopement, district-identified strategies (A.S.P.E.N.), and physical interventions when a student presents a danger to self or others. Assist with transfers and lifts for non-ambulatory students to facilitate daily activities. Provide tube feeding, diapering (may require use of a Hoyer hydraulic lift), seizure intervention, aerosol-generating procedures, and other personal care as needed. Accompany students as they transition across campus. Monitor individuals and/or small student groups in classroom or playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment and facilitate social peer interactions. Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure safety. Model professional, safe, responsible, and respectful behavior. Perform general clerical tasks supporting the teacher in file maintenance and providing classroom materials. Participate in meetings to share information and improve skills and knowledge. Maintain regular and on-time attendance. Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure efficient functioning of the work unit. Assist with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools. Required Qualifications Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire, or pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge. Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles. Citizenship, residency, or work visa required. Skills & Competencies Model attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate. Demonstrate commitment to the MPS Promise. Ability and willingness to work with special education students requiring specialized instruction for academic, social, and behavior goals. Good verbal and written communication skills; work well with students, staff, and parents. Ability to work well in stressful situations. Computer proficiency: Word, Excel, and basic software applications. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Organize and prioritize tasks and follow classroom guidelines. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators. Settings may include resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms. Support students with intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Daily routine varies based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently. May need to lift or assist students with physical disabilities, including transfers to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25–50 lbs, sometimes more). Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti‑discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mesa-Public-Schools---A