Essential Functions

Universal Companies Family of Schools is seeking dynamic and passionate Personal Care Aide (PCA) to work in an urban K-12 School setting in Philadelphia, PA. Universal's Personal Care Aides work one-on-one with assigned individuals and are responsible for providing the quality care and motivation to individuals along with maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment.

Primary Duties

• Serving as a positive role model, applying approved behavior management techniques designed to encourage appropriate social behavior.
• Utilizing appropriate and approved therapeutic interactions skills, specifically, Building Relationships, Listening, Praising Effectively, Making Requests, and Leading Activities.
• Observing, documenting, and reporting to the appropriate supervisor, noticeable changes in individual's behaviors and/or health conditions.
• Assisting with class-work and provides supervision during testing. May assist in correcting student papers/tests.
• Participate in the implementation of each student's educational program as outlined in their IEPs and according to the schedule and routine of the classroom program.
• Act as a liaison in communicating with teachers and other intermediate unit or district staff about the ongoing needs of individual students.
• Provide advice and possible solutions to teacher and other support staff concerning classroom-related issues.
• Document information regarding the students, including needs, strengths, gains, and problems.
• Follow the behavior support plans as provided by the teacher or behavior support staff.
• Supervise and support students during eating activities, gym, outdoor recess, and field trips as needed.
• Provide support to students attending inclusive regular education classes, assisting with modifications as directed by the teachers.
• Oversee students while embarking and disembarking from school bus, as needed.
• Participate in meetings to develop and update IEPs and Evaluation Reports, as requested.
• Attend training sessions, in-service workshops, and update skills as necessary.
• Assist students in activities of daily living and personal care skills, as needed including physically positioning students as or assisting with the mobility of students with physical challenges.
• Legal, ethical, and professional practices in compliance with federal and state mandates, as well as local policies concerning performance.

Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma or GED required and at least two (2) years' experience working with at-risk, special needs children (3yrs preferred)
• Associate's degree or equivalent six (6) months to one (1) year experience working with at-risk, special needs children
• BA/BS Degree and 1 year relative experience OR BA/ BS Degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or a behavior-related field

Universal Companies/ Universal Family of Schools adheres to the policy of providing equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.