Personal CARE Assistants - Special Education

PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS
- Special Education Job Description

TITLE: Personal Care Assistant
- Special Education

REPORTS TO AND IS EVALUATED BY: Supervisor of Special Education;
Building Principal;
Director of Pupil Services

AVAILABLE: August 2026

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time 10-Month Work Year/Student Days;
Non-Exempt. 60-day probationary period applies for performance and benefits. Hourly rate of pay in accordance with PESPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

DESCRIPTION: Pennridge School District seeks dedicated and compassionate individuals to provide direct support to students with physical, behavioral, academic, emotional, and/or medical needs.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION: Assist student with meeting academic and/or behavioral goals. Assist student with any supports/modifications needed to access facilities and curriculum, including physical support and adapting teaching materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with Implementing specially designed instruction during teacher-directed lessons as developed by the Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) team.
• Collaborate with classroom teacher to adapt classroom materials as necessary to support the educational program of the identified student.
• Observe and record student data as required and share this information with appropriate staff as determined by the IEP.
• Assist in implementing individualized positive behavior support(s) for identified student when necessary.
• Assist in technology applications for the identified student.
• Assist in the physical, personal self-care and self-help needs of identified student when required.
• Escort student as needed.
• Assist professional staff in emergency situations as necessary including fire drills.
• Attend IEP and staff meetings for the identified student at the request of staff.
• Provide support services as required by the student in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate flexibility in the carrying out of duties.
• Demonstrate student confidentiality in all aspects of the position.
• Complete all required forms for implementation of Project ACCESS, when applicable, as guided by the Pupil Services Department.
• Provides individual and small group instructional assistance to children as directed by the teacher or supervisor.
• Assists in the supervision of students.
• Utilization of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques/strategies (including possible restraint as a last resort) with students who require such in their IEP. Training will be provided via Pennridge School District.
• Communicate regularly with teachers, administrators, and other support staff regarding students’ progress and challenges.
• Refrains from discussing matters involving students and co-workers inappropriately.
• Performs other duties as directed by teachers or supervisors.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Pennsylvania State Credential of Competency.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUISITE

SKILLS:

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate effectively with student(s) with a wide range of specific learning, physical and emotional disabilities.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in working closely with the assigned student(s).
• Ability to understand and follow directions and to implement instructional strategies under the supervision of a teacher.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Clearances must have been done within 12 months and the TB must be less than 90 days old upon hiring.

• PA State Police Clearance (Act 34)
• Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151)
• School Personnel Health Form (Physical and TB test)
• PDE 6004 Form (Act 24)
• Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form(s) (Act 168)

ADA COMPLIANCE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Choose one of the following.)

SEDENTARY
: involves sitting most of the time. The incumbent should be able to exert up to 10 lbs of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.

LIGHT WORK
:
If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the individual sits most of the time, the job is rated…