Anticipated Personal Care Paraeducator

South Fayette Township School District•McDonald, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Personal Care Paraeducator supports students with disabilities in developing independence and participating successfully in the least restrictive educational environment. The role assists students with academic, social, emotional, behavioral, functional, mobility, communication, medical, and daily living needs while supporting their comfort, well-being, and safety throughout the school day and in school-related activities. The paraeducator works with regular and special education teachers, school staff, families, and students. Duties include providing specially designed instruction and behavioral support, assisting with personal care and health care activities, monitoring student progress on IEP goals, maintaining relevant records and communication, and following student-specific medical and safety plans. Some medical procedures may be performed only after training, under school-nurse supervision, and as allowed by law. The position requires a two- or four-year degree, with preference for education, current first aid and CPR certification, and experience working with children with disabilities. The paraeducator may be required to earn the PDE Credential of Paraeducator Competency during the first two years of employment, depending on degree, and complete 20 hours of annual professional development to retain high-qualified paraeducator status. The stated rate is $19.36 during a 45-working-day probationary period and $24.20 after successful completion. Assignments may change during or between school years according to student needs, school populations, and training.

Requirements

Two- or four-year degree; preference for a degree in education.
Current first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Experience working with children with disabilities.
Ability to work cooperatively with many individuals and as a team member with teachers and administrators.
Ability to communicate effectively with adults and children.
Dependable and mature demeanor.
Excellent writing skills and ability to take notes.
Ability to learn characteristics, interventions, and strategies related to different disabilities and atypical syndromes.
Strong commitment to the school district’s goals, mission, and philosophy; enthusiasm for making a difference in students’ lives.
Experience using behavior strategies with children or youth.
Ability to complete required Medical Assistance forms and report student progress data.
Ability to complete 20 hours of annual professional development to retain high-qualified paraeducator status.
Ability to obtain the PDE Credential of Paraeducator Competency within the first two years of employment if required based on degree.

Responsibilities

Support students’ academic, social, emotional, and functional skills.
Facilitate and model appropriate social interaction throughout the school day.
Supervise students and manage behavior using techniques such as redirection, modeling, reinforcement, shaping, and hand-over-hand assistance.
Deliver independent learning activities in academic and specials areas as assigned.
Accompany students throughout the school and district community, including on field trips and at special functions.
Provide redirection, organization, coping strategies, and other specially designed instruction specified in students’ IEPs.
Support assigned students’ medical needs and follow medical crisis plans as necessary.
Assist with functional daily activities, including lunch routines, organizing and handling belongings, dressing, using supplies, and personal hygiene prompts.
Assist with personal care, hygiene, and health care activities, including toileting and other needs as assigned.
After training and subject to applicable law and school-nurse supervision where specified, assist with tube feeding, pulmonary treatments, suctioning, seizure care, and support for chronic or contagious conditions.
Maintain student-specific medical supplies and equipment; use appropriate health care procedures.
Help maintain home-school communication with the classroom teacher and/or administration when appropriate.
Monitor student progress on IEP goals and help teachers report data on IEP goals, objectives, and behavior support plans.
Communicate with special education teachers about student progress across settings.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings when requested.
Administer first aid and CPR and maintain current certification.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other departments or programs; contribute to a positive and professional team environment.
Adapt to changing situations, shift focus quickly, and manage tasks and transitions effectively.
Complete required online Medical Assistance forms for assigned students.
Earn the PDE Credential of Paraeducator Competency during the first two years of employment if required based on degree.
Complete 20 hours of annual professional development to retain high-qualified paraeducator status.
Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned by teachers, building principals, or the Director of Student Support Services.