PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT - Learning Support

TITLE: Personal Care Assistant - Learning Support

REPORTS TO AND IS EVALUATED BY:  Supervisor of Special Education; Building Principal; Director of Student Services

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Full-Time Bargaining Unit Position; 10-Month Work Year/Student Days; Non-Exempt. 60-day probationary period applies for performance and benefits. Salary in accordance with PESPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP

HOURS: 7:45am-3:45pm

LOCATION: North Middle School

COMPENSATION: In accordance with PESPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION:  Assist student with meeting academic and/or behavioral goals. Assist student with any supports/modifications needed to access facilities and curriculum, including physical support and adapting teaching materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist with Implementing specially designed instruction, classroom materials, and positive behavior supports during teacher-directed lessons as developed by the Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) team.
2. Complete all required forms for implementation of Project ACCESS, when applicable, as guided by the Pupil Services Department.
3. Communicate regularly with teachers, administrators, and other support staff regarding students’ progress and challenges.
4. Observe and record student data as required and share this information with appropriate staff as determined by the IEP.
5. Attend IEP and staff meetings for the identified student at the request of staff.
6. Assist in the physical, personal self-care and self-help needs (feeding, toileting, changing diapers, weight transfers, etc.) of identified student when required.
7. Assist professional staff in student supervision, small group instructional assistance, and emergency situations as necessary including fire drills.
8. Employee may be required, at the direction of OT (Occupational Therapist), PT (Physical Therapist) or medical doctor, to assist student with range-of-motion and stretching activities.
9. Utilization of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques/strategies (including possible restraint as a last resort) with students who require such in their IEP. Training will be provided via Pennridge School District.
10. Demonstrate student confidentiality and refrain from discussing matters involving students and co-workers inappropriately in all aspects of the position.
11. Assume other duties as assigned by Supervisor of Special Education, Building Principal, and/or Director of Student Services.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

1. Pennsylvania State Credential of Competency.
2. 2-year Associate Degree, 4-year degree preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUISITE SKILLS:

1. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate effectively with student(s) with a wide range of specific learning, physical and emotional disabilities.
2. Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in working closely with the assigned student(s).
3. Ability to understand and follow directions and to implement instructional strategies under the supervision of a teacher.

ADA COMPLIANCE:                           

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of this position.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Choose one of the following.)

SEDENTARY   LIGHT WORK   X MEDIUM WORK   HEAVY WORK   VERY HEAVY WORK

SEDENTARY:  involves sitting most of the time.  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 10 lbs of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.

LIGHT WORK:  If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the individual sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 20 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

MEDIUM WORK:  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 35 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs of force constantly to move objects.

HEAVY WORK:  The incumbent should be able to exert up to 75 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs of force constantly to move objects.

VERY HEAVY WORK:  The incumbent should be able to exert in excess of 100 lbs of force occasionally, and in excess of 50 lbs of force frequently, and in excess of 20 lbs of force constantly to move objects.