What are the responsibilities and job description for the Personal Care Assistant (Autism) position at Gemma Services?
Martin Luther School is launching a new school designed specifically for students with autism, grounded in a developmental, relationship-based model of learning.
Are you ready to become an exceptional personal care assistant? Join a team where you'll receive daily mentorship, meaningful classroom experience, and a pathway to teacher certification while making a lasting difference in the lives of students with autism?
The school will be rooted in a developmental approach that prioritizes emotional engagement, functional communication, regulation, and authentic relationships as the foundation for learning. Rather than focusing only on compliance or behavior management, the program will support students in building the cognitive, social, and emotional capacities that lead to long-term independence and meaningful participation in the world.
The autism program will be supported by a collaborative team that includes teachers, related service providers, clinicians, developmental specialists, and leadership who work closely together to understand each student and support their growth.
Job summary:
The Personal Care Assistant supports the assigned student(s) in accessing instruction, maintaining regulation, engaging socially, and navigating the school environment safely. Follows the direction of the classroom teacher and Student Advisor to implement academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and personal-care supports. Contributes to a safe and inclusive learning environment through consistent routines, positive relationships, proactive strategies, and alignment with the mission and UNITED values of Martin Luther School.
Essential Duties
1. Student Support and Personal Care
a. Provide direct support to meet the student’s individual needs as outlined in the IEP or support plan.
b. Support personal care tasks such as hygiene, toileting, clothing management, mobility, and feeding as required.
c. Assist the student in organizing materials, participating in lessons, and navigating the school day.
d. Reinforce academic, social, and behavioral goals under the direction of the teacher.
e. Maintain consistent, developmentally appropriate routines that build independence and confidence.
2. Social-Emotional and Behavioral Support
a. Build a trusting, supportive relationship with the student to promote emotional safety and belonging.
b. Support self-regulation, communication, and problem-solving using strategies aligned with Positive Behavior Support.
c. Implement de-escalation and co-regulation techniques consistent with Safe Crisis Management (SCM).
d. Reinforce classroom expectations and schoolwide behavioral systems.
e. Participate in restorative conversations and practices, helping students repair and strengthen relationships.
3. Collaboration and Communication
a. Work closely with the Teacher, Student Advisor, Clinical Team, and other staff to ensure coordinated support.
b. Participate in coaching, training, and Trust-Based Observations as appropriate.
c. Communicate changes in behavior, successes, and concerns promptly to supervising staff.
d. Attend meetings and professional development as required.
4. Safety, Compliance, and Conduct
a. Maintain student safety in the classroom, hallways, playground, cafeteria, and during transitions.
b. Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and safety expectations.
c. Maintain accurate data and documentation as requested by the teacher or Student Advisor.
d. Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical and professional standards at all times.
Education and experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Training in Safe Crisis Management (SCM), trauma-informed practices, Positive Behavior Support, or restorative approaches preferred.
Benefits include:
- 3 health insurance plans included, one at no cost to the employee!
- 2 dental plans to choose from
- Educational assistance for professional development and Act 48/CEUs
- 403b retirement plan with organizational match
- Group Term Life Insurance at no cost to the employee
- Short and Long-term Disability coverage
- Generous paid time off and Personal Holidays
- Funding for employee self-care activities
Martin Luther School is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.