Middle School Special Education Paraeducator/Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Environmental Charter School•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Environmental Charter School is seeking a Middle School Special Education Paraeducator/Personal Care Assistant for the 2026–27 school year. The role supports students’ individual health and behavioral needs as documented in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), working collaboratively with classroom teachers, special educators, building specialists, and building and department leadership teams. Candidates should be energetic, progressive-minded, flexible, and committed to supporting students and classroom responsibilities. The position includes providing personal care and daily-living assistance, behavioral and academic support, and support on the school bus. The paraeducator also reinforces skills designed by special education teachers, assists teachers with classroom preparation, attends grade-level meetings, and participates in professional growth opportunities. The school’s educational approach is student-centered and uses environmental content as a lens for instruction, with an emphasis on collaboration, inquiry, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

At least two years of post-high-school education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Progressive-minded approach, can-do spirit, and strong work ethic.
Flexibility in carrying out responsibilities in support of students’ needs and classroom duties.
Willingness to work collaboratively with building staff.
Clearances current within one year of hire date: Arrest & Conviction Disclosure; Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151); Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Clearance (Act 34); and FBI Criminal Background Check (Act 114).
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (Act 168) and Mandatory Reporter Training are required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Familiarity with charter schools and experience working with students.

Responsibilities

Provide assistance with eating, dressing, grooming, toileting, activities of daily living, and behavioral needs as documented in students’ IEPs.
Support students on the school bus.
Provide remedial activities to reduce the impact of a student’s disability.
Reteach or reinforce academic, behavioral, or language skills designed by a special education teacher.
Help teachers prepare classroom materials and resources.
Attend grade-level meetings at least monthly.
Participate in professional growth opportunities, including weekly professional development meetings, instructional coaching, and outside professional opportunities.
Collaborate with classroom teachers, special educators, building specialists, and building and department leadership teams.