Personal Care Assistant - Autism Classroom

CAPITAL AREA INTERMEDIATE UNIT•Lower Swatara Township, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This paraprofessional position supports the professional staff in meeting the needs of students assigned to the employee, specifically within an Autism Classroom. The role involves working collaboratively with teachers to foster the educational and social development of students, assisting in maintaining a positive learning environment, and acting as a positive social and emotional model. Responsibilities include performing instructional activities, assisting with behavior management, providing first aid and CPR, documenting student progress, and assisting with personal care needs. The position also involves clerical duties, housekeeping, and ensuring adherence to all relevant laws and policies.

Requirements

Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must be certified as a Qualified Paraprofessional, as required under Chapter 14, OR have the ability and willingness to become a Qualified Paraprofessional within the established timelines.
Must be trained in CPR, First Aid, AED and fully certified to actively participate in Safe Crisis Management (SCM) or other restraint management system (as may be required by the program) and willing and fully able to utilize these procedures OR have the ability and willingness to become CPR, First Aid, and restraint system trained and be willing and fully able to administer these procedures.
Must have the ability to lift/assist with lifting special needs children. Lifting may be up to 40 lbs without assistance and more with assistance.
Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
Must have computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working with special needs population desired.

Responsibilities

Works with the teacher as a team member in the educational and social development of the assigned student.
Assists the teacher in developing and maintaining a positive environment.
Acts as a positive social and emotional model for the student.
Performs instructional activities and monitors the results of those activities under the teacher's direction.
Assists the teacher upon request in the management of the student’s behavior in accordance with established disciplinary policies and procedures.
Performs CPR, First Aid, and/or proper child restraint techniques as needed.
Provides input to the teacher regarding relevant information on the student’s academic progress, behavioral change, physical needs and other areas as appropriate.
Follows all established CAIU policies and administrative procedures.
Completes the School-Based ACCESS Program (SBAP) daily or weekly logs, if the assigned student is eligible, in an accurate and timely manner.
Attends and participates in training for the School-Based ACCESS Program and SBAP paperwork.
Maintains confidentiality by refraining from discussion of student progress and problems as required in the CAIU Policy on Confidentiality of Information (FERPA).
Assists in meeting the student's personal care needs as directed.
Assists the assigned student to and from vehicles and other parts of the building, and/or off-site experiences, all of which may include lifting.
Performs clerical and housekeeping duties as required.
Assumes responsibility for fostering a good educational paraprofessional to teacher working relationship, but in no case supersedes the teacher's authority to manage all aspects of the instructional program.
Works to create, maintain and build positive working relationships with internal and external (district, community, agency) staff.
Provides coverage, under the supervision of a certified professional teacher, and monitors recess, lunch, etc., as needed.
Participates in preparation of materials, bulletin boards, and other displays.
Follows assigned schedule including attendance, start and end times, and overall punctuality.
Adheres to all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, particularly as they relate to the Pennsylvania School Code.
Attends in-services, training, and meetings as directed.
Serves on any CAIU team as directed.
Assumes any other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director or his/her designee.