Life Skills Support Personal Care Assistant, Doe Run Elementary

Manheim Central School District has an opening for a FT Personal Care Assistant to work one-on-one with special education elementary school learners, assisting with academic needs as outlined in the individualized Education Plan (IEP). The PCA will also work closely with the special education team.

The Life Skills Support Personal Care Assistant supports students with significant disabilities to develop daily living/life skills, in scheduled settings or inclusion. Implements IEP goals under teacher and specialist direction.

Essential Functions

• Implements instructional programs, activities, and lesson components developed by the classroom teacher, working with individuals, small groups, or whole-class settings. Reinforces academic content as needed.
• Teaches functional life skills such as hygiene, meal prep, safety, etc.
• Assists in collecting and maintaining data on student progress, assessments, and classroom performance; supports progress monitoring and testing as directed.
• Provides clerical and technical support such as photocopying, organizing materials, and preparing instructional resources.
• Supports behavior management strategies; monitors student conduct and maintains documentation and records incidents as required. Refers serious behavior issues to appropriate personnel.
• Reinforces goals of related services (e.g., speech, OT, PT, behavioral therapy) as directed by licensed service providers or specialists.
• Provides supervision and support during non-instructional times, including recess, lunch, bus duty, or transitions.
• Supervises community-based instruction (trips to grocery stores, transportation, etc.).
• Participates in staff development and training opportunities to enhance skills and performance.
• Maintains confidentiality and a professional rapport with students, staff, and families.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the teacher, principal, or designee.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with children in an educational or structured setting preferred
• An associate degree, or at least 48 hours of post-secondary credits, is preferred. Otherwise, must present a PA Paraeducator Credential of Competency Certificate **or** be willing to complete free online program within three months of hire
• Twenty hours of staff development are required each school year; additional training in safety protocols as needed.
• Ability to meet applicable state and district standards for instructional aides/paraprofessionals
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficiency with basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
• Proficiency with educational data entry.
• Proficiency with behavioral support.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and professionalism
• Ability to remain calm and supportive during behavioral or emergency situations
• Team-oriented mindset with flexibility to adapt to changing classroom needs
• Confidentiality and discretion in working with student records and sensitive information
• Courteous, service-oriented attitude when interacting with students, families, and staff
  
  

Physical/Mental/Environmental

Physical:

Sit: 20%

Walk/Stand: 80% (bending, kneeling, climbing)

Lifting: Some heavy lifting, up to 40 pounds

Mobility: Ability to move throughout classroom and school settings

Vision/hearing:Normal

Mental: Ability to evaluate, interpret and analyze written and verbal communications, document student progress; manage occasional crises or behavioral incidents

Environment: Normal classroom environment; occasional outdoor supervision

10-month, full-time position

Hours: 7:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Why Choose Manheim Central School District

• Mission-driven environment: At Manheim Central, our mission serves as the guiding force in all that we do. You will have the opportunity t be part of a passionate team working together to provide an exceptional education to our students.
• Supportive professional growth opportunities: We believe in investing in our employees' professional development. As a member of our team, you will have access to ongoing training, workshops, and resources to further enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Failing-forward mindset: We embrace risks and support those who dare to defy what's normal in order to provide our students with the dynamic education and experience they deserve. Innovation is a core value at MC.
  
  

We appreciate your interest in joining our dedicated team at Manheim Central. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our school community. Please note: Relevant school experience is considered when calculating salary.

About Manheim Central School District: Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become responsible, productive citizens in a rapidly changing world. We strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic achievement, critical thinking, and character development.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE): Manheim Central School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer, promoting fairness and diversity in our hiring process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.