Early Intervention Teacher Assistant​/Paraeducator

Job Opportunity at Berks County Intermediate Unit

The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to make an impact on the 70,000+ students and their families in Berks County. Summary of position:
Assist the teacher in supervising students, in helping plan and implement a curriculum, and in creating an environment which responds to the needs of the students in the classroom. When applicable, assist IEP teams in implementing IEP goals and objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

• Greet parents and visitors.
• Help students develop self-help/adaptive skills by actively participating in all phases of mealtime activities, toileting, and dressing activities.
• Monitor activities to ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times.
• Assist in supervising students independently and assist with difficult students under the supervision of the teacher.
• Help prepare for and participate in activities, and clean up after activity.
• Assist students to participate in daily activities to gain independent skills which are aligned with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards.
• Contribute to daily and weekly planning and evaluation sessions and carry out planned activities for individuals, as well as groups.
• Assist in evaluating individual students and in data collection/recordkeeping.
• Under the direction of the teacher and/or team, work with individual students to address needs identified in an IP, and participate in activities designed by the teacher/therapist under his/her direction to implement, and collect data on IP objectives, when applicable.
• Assist with the completion and maintenance of applicable paperwork and documentation, as required by the program.
• Maintain information pertaining to BCIU sites, programs, students, and their families in a confidential manner.
• Participate in activities planned for families and promote community connections.
• Attend meetings and professional development opportunities, and maintain records of such attendance, as required by program and/or supervisor.
• Assist in the maintenance of the classroom.
• Work cooperatively with an attitude of support as a member of the team.

Qualifications:

• Completion of at least 2 years of postsecondary study; or possess an Associate's degree or higher.
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a state or local assessment, as follows: obtain and maintain a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through any credit bearing coursework offered by an institute of higher education; or approval of an alternative standard of quality by the Bureau of Early Intervention Services in the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL);
  
  or complete and pass the Pennsylvania Special Education Para educator Credential of Competency offered through the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN).
• Ability to perform the following physical activities; stoop, run, sit, stand, walk, bend, lift students, carry thirty (30) pounds, be outside in all seasons, prepare food, hear within normal ranges, and see within normal ranges.
• Ability to relate well to students and families.
• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Experience working in settings with ABA (applied behavior analysis).
• Ability to travel between locations within the work day.

Locations:

• BCIU Learning Center at the Education Centre
• BCIU Learning Center at Melrose Plaza
• BCIU Learning Center at Pine Forge
• BCIU Learning Center at Washington Elementary
• Floating position (part-time up to 26 hours/week)

Schedule:

Full-time, 7 hours/day

Salary: $19.26 - Without Para Credentialing $20.61 - With Para Credentialing $21.96 - Para w/Bach or RBT

Benefits included:
Health, vision, and dental insurance Long term disability Life insurance Eligible for PSERS, PA Public School Employees Retirement System Employee Assistance Program to include three free counseling sessions