Full-Time Personal Care Assistant: Autistic Support

Personal Care Assistant/1:1 Paraeducator (School Age)

The Personal Care Assistant / 1:1 Paraeducator (School Age) is assigned to provide instructional, behavioral and personal care support as outlined in the student's Individual Education Plan. The assistant will be directed by the classroom teacher and is under the general supervision of the designated program supervisor. The assignment of the Personal Care Assistant/1:1 Paraeducator is for a school year and could terminate at any time, based on student placement or needs.

The Personal Care Assistant / 1:1 Paraeducator (School Age) is responsible for:

• Assisting the classroom teacher with the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises.
• Providing instructional assistance to students individually or in small groups at the direction of the teacher to reinforce instruction.
• Following established classroom schedule as designated by the teacher.
• Performing and/or supporting clerical and recordkeeping duties as directed, including but not limited to tasks such as maintaining student logs, data sheets and functions related to assessments, etc.
• Escorting students to/from various areas and/or activities during the school day ensuring student safety; must be able to run/sprint after an eloping (escaping) child and/or help a student off the floor should they drop to the floor.
• Operating a variety of instructional media and office equipment.
• Assisting in the design and maintenance of bulletin boards and other displays.
• Assisting with responsibilities for student community based vocational instruction and inclusion opportunities when applicable.
• Assisting in the enforcement of classroom discipline in accordance with established policy and procedures.
• Following and implementing classroom/student positive behavior support plans as designated by Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and as directed per guidance of classroom teacher, behavior consultant, and/or behavior support assistants (BSAs) when applicable.
• Assisting the nursing staff with maintaining records related to specially permitted emergency medication dosages.
• Utilizing appropriate mode of communication according to students' needs.
• Assisting in the implementation of therapy programs developed by speech and language therapist, physical therapist and/or occupational therapist.
• Assisting in movement of students from to/from therapy equipment on an as needed basis.
• Feeding students appropriate to their functional level on an as needed basis.
• Assisting students in toileting and personal hygiene activities (may require diaper changes) on an as needed basis.
• Adhering to the established work schedule, through regular and consistent attendance.
• Performing other duties, as assigned by the classroom teacher or program supervisor.
• Observing all LLIU requirements governing FERPA, HIPAA, and any LLIU policies on FERPA and/or HIPAA's policies and notices of privacy practices.

Education Required: High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Effective July 1, 2010 – Also must meet one of the following four qualifications:

• Have completed the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators through the PA Department of Education (or be willing to complete within 6 months of employment). A copy of the credential must be submitted within 30 days of hire or when received from PDE.
• Have completed at least 2 years of postsecondary study with a minimum of 48 credit hours. Copy of transcript required within 30 days of employment.
• Possess an associate degree or higher. Copy of degree or transcripts required within 30 days of employment.
• Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through an approved form of assessment within 6 months of employment.

As required by the PA Department of Education: Each school year, provide evidence of 20 hours of staff development activities related to position. Pro-ration will apply based on the date of hire within the school year.

Skills Required: Verbal communication skills and the ability to follow directions.

Computer Skills: Basic skills related to data entry, internet/email usage, word processing and spreadsheets.

Certification Required: Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Safe Crisis Management Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (SCM) or Quality Behavioral Solutions: Safety-Care Crisis Prevention (QBS), as directed by program needs.

Essential Physical Requirement: The strength and ability to lift and/or assist in lifting students ranging in age from pre-school to twenty-one and any assistive appliances, for example: wheelchair.

The ability to physically restrain students in emotional stress by using the Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI), Safe Crisis Management (SCM) or Quality Behavior Supports (QBS) method, depending on program need, for which training will be provided.

Must be able to contextually run/sprint after/to an eloping child and be able to help a learner off the floor should they drop to the floor under their own power.