Full-Time Personal Care Assistant: Autistic Support

Personal Care Assistant/1:1 Paraeducator

The personal care assistant / 1:1 Paraeducator 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.

Essential Functions include:

• Assists the classroom teacher with the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises for the assigned student.
• Provides instructional assistance to assigned student at the direction of the teacher to reinforce instruction.
• Performs clerical and recordkeeping duties as directed.
• Escorts student to and from bus loading areas, cafeteria, lavatories, assembly areas and other classrooms, as needed.
• Operates a variety of instructional media and office equipment.
• Assists in the design and maintenance of bulletin boards and other displays.
• Administers and scores tests when appropriate.
• Assists in the enforcement of classroom discipline in accordance with established policy and procedures.
• Maintains records of medication dosages administered and assists in the operation of any medical equipment at the direction of the school nurse.
• Utilizes appropriate mode of communication, according to student's needs.
• Assists in the implementation of therapy programs developed by speech and language therapist, physical therapist and/or occupational therapist.
• Assists with needs of other students in the classroom, as needed.
• Assists in movement of student from wheelchairs to classroom therapy equipment, as needed.
• Feeds student appropriately to his/her functional level (may require tube feeding), as needed.
• Assists student in toileting and personal hygiene activities (may require diaper changes), as needed.
• Adheres to the established work schedule, through regular and consistent attendance.
• Performs other duties, as assigned by the classroom teacher or program supervisor.
• Staff must observe all LLIU requirements governing FERPA, HIPAA, and any LLIU policies on FERPA and/or HIPAA's policies and notices of privacy practices.

Knowledge & Skill Requirements include:

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, i.e. CAPE Test, within 6 months of employment. Copy of the Cape Test results must be submitted as soon as received. Cost of the test is paid by the employee.

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 Requirements include 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.

Physical/Mental/Environment include:

• Physical Demands: Sitting: 20% Walk/stand: 20% Bending/stooping/squatting: 60% Lift/push/pull: 80% Restrain: As needed Vision: Normal
• Mental Demands: Interpret, analyze and problem solve
• Environment: Special Education classroom