2024-25 Instructional Assistant/Classroom Aide - Sandpiper ES - Paradise Valley Unified School District

Instructional Assistant/Classroom Aide

Location:  Sandpiper Elementary School

9 months, 6.50 hours/day

Grade 11, $14.42/hour  

Interim Position

Start Date:  10/29/2024

Purpose Statement

The job of Instructional Assistant- Classroom Aide is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for working with K-12 students individually or in a group, following educational and specific behavioral plans; documenting students' daily activities; and modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with student and staff.

This job reports to Site Administrator

Essential Functions

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher (e.g. BART program, etc.) for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.

Attends meetings and in-service presentations as requested by the teacher or administrative staff, as needed for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Communicates with teacher/s and other professional and health care staff in a collaborative team model (e.g. Speech Therapist, PTs, COTAs, special education teacher, ELL teacher, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives, behavioral management strategies, instructional objectives or SEI goals.

Documents students' daily activities (e.g. behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of completing daily logs and student's hourly activities.

Evaluates situations involving other staff, students, parents, the public, etc. for the purpose of taking action and/or providing referral for resolution.

Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral management strategies, instructional objectives, as needed for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Maintains classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records (e.g. Medicare related documents for reimbursements, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.

Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.

Monitors students during and between assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Provides instruction to students, under direction (e.g. math, science, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing IEP or SEI goals and instructional objectives ensuring students success.

Refers incidents including personal injuries, altercations, suspicious activities, rule violations, etc. to appropriate site personnel for the purpose of ensuring follow-up in accordance with administrative, site security and student safety guidelines.

Remains with students at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of students, removing students when necessary and de-escalating situations outside the classroom.

Responds to a variety of situations (e.g. accidents, injuries, suspicious activities, etc.) for the purpose of taking the appropriate action to resolve immediate safety and/or security concerns.

Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting in ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g. proctoring high stakes test, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities when working with K-12/ELL/special needs students; concepts of grammar and punctuation.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 25% sitting, 25% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience:  Job related experience is desired.

Education:   High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: 

Required Testing                           Certificates and Licenses                  

                                                              CPR Certificate

                                                              First Aid Certificate                                                        

Continuing Educ./Training              

CPR Certificate Renewal