Personal Care Assistant

Personal Care Assistant

The Personal Care Assistant provides specialized support to students with significant physical, medical, and/or developmental needs in order to assist them in accessing educational programming and participating safely in the school environment. This position works under the supervision of a certified teacher and in collaboration with other trained district staff, such as the school nurse, therapists, and/or other support specialists.

Students supported in this role may have disabilities or conditions that impact their ability to independently perform personal care tasks, manage medical needs, and/or access educational needs and services. The paraprofessional assists with daily living activities, implements instructional and functional/adaptive supports as directed, and maintains required documentation related to services provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional and Functional/Adaptive Support

• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, and functional/adaptive support plans under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or other qualified district personnel.
• Assist students during instructional activities and therapeutic services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, as directed by certified staff.
• Assist with crisis response procedures when trained and directed, following district policies and approved methods.

Personal Care and Physical Support

• Provide personal care assistance to students as needed, including but not limited to lifting or positioning students, assisting with toileting and hygiene, feeding or supporting self-help skills, and other daily living activities.
• Assist with student health needs in accordance with district policies and under the direction of the school nurse, which may include support such as suctioning to manage secretions and assisting with medication administration when trained and authorized.
• Support student mobility, including transfers, positioning, and use of adaptive equipment as required.

Data Collection and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation related to student care and services provided, in accordance with district procedures.

Student Supervision

• Supervise students during non-instructional times including lunch, recess, arrival and dismissal, transportation transitions, and school activities as assigned.

Professional Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for students.
• Follow all district policies, safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising teacher or school administrator.

Physical Requirements

This position may require frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting with physical transfers of students. Staff may be required to safely lift or reposition students and support mobility throughout the school day (up to 50 pounds with or without assistance).

Training Requirements

Employees in this position may be required to complete district-provided training related to student health procedures, crisis response, and safe physical management techniques.

Qualifications

Education: Minimum of 60 college credit hours or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment, in accordance with district and state requirements.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Patience, flexibility, and the ability to support students with diverse learning and adaptive needs

Work Expectations:

• Adhere to district work schedules and attendance expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information in accordance with district policies and federal regulations (including FERPA).
• Complete required training related to safety procedures, student support, and district practices.

Marion School District