Exceptional Children Personal Care Assistant for the School Year

Exceptional Children Personal Care Assistant

Under general supervision assists teachers and therapists in daily classroom activities with the care of children with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities.

Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations. Strong verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of the care necessary for individuals with disabilities. Ability to work with disabled children ranging from 3 to 21 years of age for extended periods of time. Ability to relate to and interact with disabled children. Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information. Ability to work cooperatively with other school personnel.

High school diploma earned at a regionally accredited school required. Two year Associate's Degree preferred - Associate's Degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university and must include an emphasis in mathematics, reading, writing and content knowledge and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants with less than the AA degree described above must be willing to pursue the degree during employment. Once the degree is earned, the employee will be eligible for promotion to teacher assistant.

Follows all rules, policies, and procedures of OCS, along with state and federal regulations pertaining to school issues and the Exceptional Children Program. Assists in classroom/student management and maintaining discipline. Assists students with gross motor activities (grasping, crawling, walking, running, holding objects, etc.). Assists students with fine motor activities (playing with toys, cutting, coloring, etc.) Assists students with dressing, eating, grooming, toileting, and personal hygiene and other tasks students are unable to perform for themselves. Assists students with mobility and basic communication skills. Assembles, adjusts, and maintains equipment used in instructional programs. Assists therapists and other specialists. Assists in recording student behavior, progress, and other related data. Constantly monitors the safety and well-being of students in all areas of the school environment. Models and promotes high level of ethical and appropriate behavior. Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips; monitors students during lunch, recess, specials, hygiene routines and snack time; if applicable, serves as bus monitor. Performs other related duties, as required or assigned by supervisor.

Ability to be physically active, which includes, but is not limited to, standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, sitting, and walking, including repetitive motions. Ability to stand in excess of 6 hours. Ability to lift moderate to heavy weight (60 to 100 pounds). Ability to assist students with disabilities impacting mobility. Must be able to visually, auditorily, and physically monitor student performance and conduct. Must be able to facilitate the evacuation of students during emergency situations and/or drills. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Must possess sufficient auditory and visual capabilities to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, students, and parents in a variety of settings.