Substitute Aide/Per Diem Sub

Pennsylvania School For The Deaf•Philadelphia, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Substitute Aide provides temporary coverage for a variety of school roles based on daily school and student needs. The role supports students with diverse academic, behavioral, language, and physical needs by assisting teachers with instructional plans, personal care, and meaningful learning experiences. The Substitute Aide works with students to foster academic, social, and emotional development and promote full participation and accessibility in the classroom and throughout the school. Assignments may include one-on-one student support, personal care, classroom support, cafeteria duties, covering as a substitute teacher, or other duties needed by the school. The role requires professional, collaborative conduct and flexibility as student needs, schedules, and assignments change. The position is per diem, part-time, 10-month, union, and FLSA non-exempt. It reports to the Assistant Principal. The Substitute Aide must share weekly availability with designated administrators and respond promptly to scheduling requests.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
American Sign Language proficiency at Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above required.
Meet entry-level requirements on PSD's Credential of Competency of Paraeducator within three years of hire.
Complete 20 hours of professional development training annually.
Ability to sit, kneel, or crouch on the floor to engage with students during play and instructional activities.
Ability to lift, transfer, or assist students as needed, including for toileting and mobility support.
Ability to assist with personal care tasks, including diapering, feeding, or dressing preschool-aged students, when required.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, and other school spaces.
Ability to lift and carry light to moderate objects such as instructional materials, student supplies, or equipment.
Manual dexterity to use classroom and cafeteria equipment, technology, and visual supports.
Ability to attend to students’ needs for extended periods, including supervision, personal care, and interactive learning.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt to the needs of multiple students and assignments.
Attention to detail when implementing instructional or behavioral plans and collecting student data.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to respond to student behaviors and instructional needs.
Emotional resilience, patience, and flexibility in supporting students with diverse needs.
Ability to follow directions, implement plans consistently, and collaborate effectively with teaching teams and other staff.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s (AA) or Bachelor’s (BA) degree from an accredited institution.
Advanced American Sign Language proficiency.
Some background or experience in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

Provide temporary support in school roles based on student and classroom needs.
Serve as a one-on-one aide, providing individualized support to students with academic, behavioral, language, or physical needs in accordance with IEPs.
Assist as a teacher aide for an entire class, supporting instructional activities, classroom management, and student engagement.
Support cafeteria operations, including meal service, organization, and related tasks.
Cover as a substitute teacher by implementing lesson plans and maintaining a safe, structured learning environment.
Share weekly availability with designated administrators and respond promptly to scheduling requests.
Support daily routines and transitions, including morning arrival, classroom rotations, specials, breaks, and end-of-day activities.
Assist with personal care and life skills when required, including diapering, toileting, and mobility assistance.
Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to ensure continuity of instruction and student support.
Maintain a professional demeanor and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Model and exhibit PSD’s core values—Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement—in interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success.