Life Skills Personal Care Assistant

Life Skills Personal Care Assistant - $19/Hour + Benefits

Horsham, PA - Hatboro-Horsham School District, Montgomery County $19.03 / Hour Permanent

The Life Skills Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides direct support to students in a life skills or specialized classroom setting. Under the direction of teachers and other school staff, the PCA assists students with academic, functional, behavioral, social, communication, and personal care needs throughout the school day. The PCA supports students in developing independence, participating in classroom and school activities, and building skills that promote success in school and daily life, while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students during classroom instruction, transitions, and school activities.
• Assist students in developing and practicing functional life skills, including personal care, hygiene, eating, dressing, toileting, mobility, and other activities of daily living as needed.
• Support students in completing academic and functional learning activities as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Reinforce individualized instructional goals and strategies established by the teacher and student support team.
• Assist students with following daily schedules, classroom routines, and visual or other communication supports.
• Encourage independence by providing appropriate levels of assistance while allowing students opportunities to complete tasks independently.
• Support students with communication, social skills, and appropriate interactions with peers and staff.
• Implement behavior support strategies and follow established student‑specific plans as directed by teachers or other school staff.
• Escort and support students during transitions, lunch, recess, therapy sessions, transportation, field trips, and other school activities.
• Monitor student safety and provide appropriate supervision throughout the school day.
• Assist with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and maintaining a clean and supportive learning environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with district policies and applicable regulations.
• Communicate observations regarding student progress, needs, challenges, or incidents to the supervising teacher and appropriate school staff.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, related service providers, and other school personnel to support student needs and goals.
• Participate in required training, in-service workshops, and professional development opportunities.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist with additional duties as assigned by school administration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience providing personal care, behavioral, or life skills support preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a classroom and student support team.
• Ability to safely assist students with mobility and activities of daily living as needed.
• Pennsylvania State Police Clearance for employment.
• Child Abuse Clearance for employment.
• FBI Fingerprinting.
• School Health Form, including Physical and Tuberculosis Test.
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Form 6004:
  Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification.
• Act 126/Mandated Reporter training.
• CPR, CPI, and First Aid certification preferred.

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