Special Education Office Assistant

The Hope Centers is a premier provider of educational and therapeutic services for children with special needs. We are a model for excellence, a safe haven for students, and an outspoken advocate for those who need our support. Our committed and talented staff exude our core values of compassion, integrity, innovation, perseverance, and teamwork. Using a multidisciplinary approach of best practices, individual success will be celebrated and students’ lives will be improved.

WE WILL ALWAYS BE A SOURCE OF HOPE

WHO YOU ARE

You are an eager individual who is looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the community. As the Special Education Administrative Assistant you will serve as the first point of contact for all Hope Academy visitors and inquiries, as well as handle all communications and documents pertaining to the Special Education Department. In this role you will ensure that the faculty, staff, and students meet the goals and objectives of the school and create an atmosphere where learning and excelling to the greatest potential are a part of the school culture.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Client Support 

  • Coordinate and conduct all steps of the new client intake process including client communication, documentation, facility tours, and service provider introductions

  • Build professional relationships with students and families to create a positive client experience

• Hope Support 

  • Support the coordination between the Director of Hope Academy, parents, case managers, student’s home school district, and outside Service Providers

  • Track program eligibility to ensure all students are receiving appropriate academic and therapeutic services

  • Assist as classroom paraprofessional as needed

• Planning 

  • Plan for and carryout all the logistical tasks associated with all Hope assessments, programs, and IEP processes

  • Plan and attend weekly teacher meetings, in-service activities, Extended School Year, and standardized assessments

• Administration

  • Carry out administrative duties such as filing, typing, copying, scanning, etc.

  • Assist in the maintenance of records of Hope Academy materials

• Knowledge 

  • Be the expert on and uphold all policies and procedures as it pertains to Special Education Law

• Other responsibilities as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 

• Knowledge of Special Education Law (plus)

• Experience with IEP Writer (plus)

• Pennsylvania Teaching Certification (preferred)

• Special Education Certification (preferred)

• Experience working with individuals with developmental delays 

• Experience providing administrative support for Special Education staff

Clearances & Training Required

• Act 33 PA Child Abuse History Clearance

• Act 34 PA State Criminal History Clearance

• Act 114 FBI Clearance issued by the Dept of Education

• Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

• Act 168 from Previous Employers where you came into contact with children

• CPR/First Aid

• TB/Physical

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Pay Rate

• Health Insurance - With employer contribution

• Dental and Vision Insurance - 100% by employer paid for employee

• Paid Time Off 

• Retirement Investment Savings Plan

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Discount Market

The Hope Centers value and respect the full range of social and cultural characteristics and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, financial ability, marital status, parenthood, disability, ethnic background, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status or on any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. Employment at Hope Centers is strictly based upon qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.

Policy Statement

The Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:

Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)

Color

Religious creed (including observance, practice and belief)

Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)

Ancestry or national origin

Age (40 and over)

Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation

Genetic information

Veteran or military status

Familial or martial status

Or any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisements 

Assignments, classifications, and promotions

Compensation, benefits, and training

Transfers, discipline, and termination

Discipline and termination

Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship

Protection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigations 

Enforcement & Reporting

Managers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.