Personal Care Aide

Special Education Personal Care Assistant

Plays a crucial role in supporting students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Provide personal care assistance to a student determined to need such services under Chapter 14, Special Education Guidelines, or Chapter 15, Protected Handicapped Student Guidelines. The identified needs require special assistance/services during the school day so that the student may benefit from the educational program. The starting hourly rate for this position is $15.46/hour.

Actual hourly rate upon hire will be based on knowledge and years of experience.

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Current certification and training in CPR/AED & First aid within 60 days of hire

Ability to relate positively with staff, students, parents.

Experience with student(s) preferred.

Willingness to learn accommodations/skills should the need arise.

Ability to work cooperatively with others.

Maturity and the ability to deal effectively with students and staff.

Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of students of varying age levels, diverse cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently within the limits of assigned responsibilities.

Understands the importance of and can practice confidentiality.

Demonstrates knowledge of basic academic skills (reading, math, writing, spelling, and appropriate language usage).

Adheres to specific rules and regulations as they apply to the discipline procedures of the building.

Receipt of current, favorable clearances including:
Pennsylvania State Criminal History (Act 34), Federal Criminal History (FBI – Fingerprinting - Act 114), Pennsylvania Child Abuse (Act 151), and Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Disclosures (Act 168).

Reports to Building Principal / Assistant Principal, Special Education Supervisor, and the Director of Pupil Services.

Completed by the Special Education Supervisor.

Personal Care and Assisting with Instruction:

Primary responsibility is to assist the student identified under special education or protected handicapped guidelines and assigned to a special or general education class to participate in the least restrictive environment.

Assistance may include, but is not limited to restating teacher directions where appropriate, reviewing and/or restating discussions to ensure student(s) adequately followed what is occurring in the classroom, helping students during classroom activities, ensuring they can access and participate in materials including adapting to meet individual needs if needed, assisting student(s) with ambulation (i.e., crutches, wheelchair, etc.), assisting student(s) with personal care task as needed such as but not limited to feeding, toileting, clothing fastening, and unfastening, and other daily activities, maintaining a supportive and respectful environment for students, assisting the teacher or student in arranging environment to best meet the student's needs, accompany the student(s) in crowded areas in order to ensure that appropriate distance is kept between the student and others so as to alleviate potential problems.

Collaboration with Teachers:

Work closely with classroom teachers to understand and address the unique learning needs of each student. Provide feedback on student progress and challenges.

Cooperate with the classroom teacher(s) regarding the daily routines and structure.

Supporting Individualized Education Plans (IEPs):
Collaborate with teachers and special education staff to implement and support the goals outlined in students' IEPs.

Assistive Technology:

Familiarity with and assistance in the use of assistive technology tools that support students with special needs in accessing educational materials.

Assist the student in using assistive technology, as appropriate:

Maintain assistive device

Report needed repairs to the classroom teacher

Assist the student in managing and maintaining the environment to meet any special physical needs.

Inclusion Support:

Facilitate the inclusion of students with special needs in general education classrooms.

Provide additional support to ensure successful participation and integration.

Behavioral Support:

Implement behavior management strategies outlined in students' IEPs.

Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages appropriate behavior.

Record Keeping:

Keep accurate records of student progress, behavior, and any interventions implemented.

Document observations and communicate relevant information to the teaching team.

Safety and Supervision:

Ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Supervise students during various activities, including transitions between classes and outdoor activities.

Proactively monitor student to prevent / reduce elopement.

Flexible Support:
Be flexible and adaptable in providing support based on the changing needs of students and the classroom environment.

Professional Development:

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