The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students·Maricopa County, Arizona
Implement methods and interventions from student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to help students achieve goals and develop coping strategies. Provide safety, security, and academic support to students within the classroom and throughout the school environment.
The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.
This is for the Phoenix West ACES! Anticipated start date is August 3rd 2026
The Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) implements methods and interventions from the student Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help the student achieve the goals of the IEP, develop positive coping strategies, initiate teacher-driven replacement behaviors for the student, and help in the support of all students and adults within the learning environment. This role is critical to the success of our students and a positive learning environment.
Essential Functions
Provide instructional and behavioral support to special education students and school personnel in a school setting.
Implements methods and interventions from the student’s IEP to help the student achieve the goals of the IEP, develop positive coping strategies, initiate teacher-driven replacement behaviors for the student, and help in the support of all students and adults within the learning environment.
Provide safety, security, supervision, and academic support to the student and assigned classroom, supervise students in the hallways, during lunch, recess, and special classes throughout the school day.
Keeps each student or his/her individual student within eyesight and/or under direct supervision always.
Provide support and assistance to students with personal hygiene needs, including toileting, in a respectful and compassionate manner, ensuring their dignity and comfort are maintained at all times.
Conduct the organizational task, daily routines for instructional practices, supervision of school-aged children, and other appointed tasks in the best interest of the students and school.
If a student is a danger to self or other, staff may need to assist in the safe physical management of the student in crisis as a last resort. All TSS will be provided with detailed training through Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) on how to implement these procedures to ensure care, welfare and safety for all.
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
TSS will be provided on-the-job training and specialized training on CPI and CPR.
Ongoing skills training will be provided throughout the school year, as determined by leadership.
Each year the worker is required to have ongoing training to keep their skills up to date, as determined appropriate by the Austin Centers
Patience, care, understanding and passion for students with special needs.
Pay: Starting at $18/hour
#IND2
Pay Range $18.50—$20.50 USD
Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.
transforming lives, one student at a time!
A High School Diploma or GED is required, and a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card for the State of Arizona is mandatory. No prior experience is required as all specialized training is provided.
Market context
In Arizona, behavioral tech and paraprofessional roles are often in steady demand in school settings, especially for candidates who can meet state clearance requirements and work directly with students. These positions can be competitive because they require a high school diploma or GED, a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, and comfort with structured support work, while no prior experience is needed because specialized training is provided. Before applying, confirm your clearance status and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here, which condense the original job description to save research time.
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