Personal Care Assistant/Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Personal Care Assistant (PCA) / Teaching Assistant

Program: Autistic Support (Grades 3-6)
Employment Term: 2025-2026 School Year
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:50 AM - 3:50 PM

Position Overview

Our client is seeking dedicated and compassionate Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) / Teaching Assistants for the 2025-2026 school year. These roles are integral to our Autistic Support program at Valley Elementary School, providing 1:1 individualized support to students in grades 3 through 6. Your primary mission will be to ensure a safe, inclusive environment that meets each student's academic, behavioral, and personal care needs.

Core Physical & Behavioral Requirements

Candidates must be comfortable and willing to perform the following as a core, non-waivable responsibility of the role:

• Hygiene Support: Assistance with student toileting and personal hygiene needs.
• Behavioral Support: Active management and intervention for student behavioral challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Instructional Support: Provide 1:1 academic assistance in alignment with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), focusing on cognitive development, communication, motor skills, and social-emotional learning.
• Daily Care: Support students with daily routines, including feeding, hygiene, mobility, and the use of orthopedic equipment or positioning as required.
• Behavior Management: Implement positive behavior support strategies and maintain consistency in student programming.
• Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff to ensure comprehensive student care and progress.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate daily logs of student activities, progress toward IEP goals, and medical protocols.
• Professional Development: Attend mandatory training sessions regarding autism support and instructional strategies.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience working with children in an instructional or caregiving capacity.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in Autistic Support, Special Education, or Behavioral/Mental Health settings.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (required prior to start date).

Compliance & Credentialing Requirements

All clearances must be current within the last 12 months:

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance
• PA Criminal Background Check
• PA FBI Fingerprint Clearance
• Negative TB Test Results
• Official High School Diploma or Transcripts

Benefits (Estimated for 2025-2026)

Eligible staff members may receive district benefits, which historically include:

• Medical & Prescription Insurance via Aetna.
• Dental and Vision coverage.
• Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance ($25k).
• Enrollment in the PSERS Retirement Plan .