Personal Care Assistant (County Alternative)

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) / Paraprofessional - Emotional Support

Location: 710 S. Old Middletown Rd, Media, PA 19063

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:15 AM - 2:15 PM (with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break)

Age Group: High School (serving students typically aged 14-21 with special education needs)

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking dedicated and experienced Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) / Paraprofessionals to provide essential support within our Emotional Support program. This role is crucial in fostering a supportive and effective instructional environment for high school students with special needs. If you have a passion for helping students succeed, experience in a school setting, and a commitment to positive behavioral support, we encourage you to apply.

Job Summary:

The Paraprofessional supports the instructional program within the assigned classroom, assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in either a regular or self-contained classroom. This includes assisting in implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time, providing information to appropriate school personnel, and attending IEP meetings. These positions provide instructional, behavioral, and personal care support as outlined in the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or for general classroom support.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

All job functions are to be executed with a focus on high-quality customer service, program excellence, and student safety.

• Instructional Support: Provide academic assistance to assigned students, including reinforcing or monitoring instructional tasks, modifying materials, and providing one-on-one or small group instruction, under the guidance of the classroom teacher or instructor.
• Behavioral Support: Assist in implementing behavior intervention plans, support students in developing appropriate social skills and behaviors, and assist in de-escalating situations and providing support during crises, following established protocols and training. Experience with student behaviors is preferred.
• Personal Care: Provide physical support to students, including during meals, bathroom routines, and other activities of daily living, allowing students to participate fully.
• IEP & Data Management: Work in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team to conduct IEP and referral meetings, conferences, and develop a multidisciplinary approach to student enhancement. Collect data on student performance and behavior as required by the student's IEP, charting progress and reporting findings to the required staff.
• Collaboration: Participate in meetings and collaborate with teachers, instructors, therapists, counselors, and other special education professionals to support student needs and progress.
• Communication: Maintain ongoing communication with regular educators, school staff, students, and parents. Demonstrate adequate verbal and written communication skills.
• Environment Management: Help maintain an organized, clean, and conducive learning environment.
• Professionalism & Adherence: Adhere to the Board Policies and Administrative Directives, including Dress Code and Cell Phone and Earbud Standards. Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and the ability to establish rapport with students and maintain positive relationships with program staff.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Other Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Experience working as a PCA/Paraprofessional/Paraeducator in a Public, Private, or Educational School Setting.
• Highly Qualified Paraprofessional status.
• Experience with children.
• Flexibility and reliability.
• Ability to work effectively and regularly with a computer.
• Ability to function under the direction of the teacher.
• Reliable means of transportation (Must have a car).

Required Clearances & Certifications (Current or to be obtained promptly):

• PA Child Abuse Clearance (within 2 years)
• FBI Criminal Background Check, Fingerprints (within 2 years)
• PA Criminal History Check (within 2 years)
• TB Test (within 3 months, or 30 days of start if not a substitute)
• Physical or documentation authorized to work (within 1 year, or 30 days of start if not a substitute)
• Mandated Reporter Training Certification (within 4 or 5 years)
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form (Act 82 Form)
• Completed Act 168 (Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release)