Personal Care Assistant

Manassas Park City Schools - Manassas Park, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Manassas Park, VA

About the position

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) provides essential one-on-one support to students with special education needs at Cougar Elementary, a high-needs school within Manassas Park City Schools. This role focuses on assisting students with daily living skills, health monitoring, and behavioral support, ensuring a conducive learning environment. The PCA works under the guidance of certified staff to deliver educational interventions and support the overall well-being of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver educational interventions designed by Special Education teachers to help students meet their goals.
• Assist teachers with Special Education students to enable learning with minimal disruptions.
• Support students with basic dress and grooming self-care.
• Administer medications as trained and directed.
• Attend to the physical needs of students, including handling equipment and assisting with mobility.
• Assist in the delivery of appropriate instructional strategies as per the individualized educational plan (IEP).
• Collect observational and academic data for progress monitoring under the direction of the teacher.
• Communicate effectively with staff, students, and parents regarding needs and concerns.
• Assist students' safe transitions between locations within the school.
• Participate in specialized training related to the individualized needs of students with IEPs.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations as per policies and procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Experience in supporting people with disabilities or medical needs preferred.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Displays a positive role model for students at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Ability to speak clearly and write effectively.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and flexibility to function as a positive team member.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in educational settings or with special education students.
• Training in first aid or CPR.

Benefits

• Salary based on Classified Scale, Grade 5.
• Supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.