About the position
The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) plays a vital role in supporting an individual student's overall development by assisting in enhancing self-sufficiency, communication, interpersonal skills, social engagement, academic progress, and mobility. This role involves aiding the student in accessing their educational program through various means, such as providing assistance with balance, engaging in visual perceptual activities, refining fine and/or gross motor skills, assisting with boarding/exiting the school van, and offering prompts to maintain focus. Additionally, the PCA serves as a teacher assistant, contributing to maintaining a positive learning environment in the classroom, particularly when the student is working with another staff member or is absent. This position is integral to fostering a supportive educational experience for the student and ensuring their success in both academic and social aspects of their learning journey. This position will require travelling from a head start classroom (Lincoln Elementary, Gettysburg Area School District) to a specialized LIU classroom (Fairfield Area Middle School, Fairfield Area School District) 4 days per week. The other day of the week will be at the head start classroom (Lincoln Elementary) all day.
Responsibilities
- Assist in enhancing self-sufficiency, communication, interpersonal skills, social engagement, academic progress, and mobility of the student.
- Aid the student in accessing their educational program through various means.
- Provide assistance with balance and engage in visual perceptual activities.
- Refine fine and/or gross motor skills with the student.
- Assist with boarding/exiting the school van.
- Offer prompts to maintain focus during activities.
- Serve as a teacher assistant to maintain a positive learning environment in the classroom.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Must have or obtain and maintain a current certificate in first aid.
- Must have or obtain and maintain a current certificate in CPR.
- Must have or obtain and maintain current certificate in LIU-approved crisis management and intervention program, preferred.
- Relevant experience working with students in an educational setting.
- Patience, flexibility, and positive attitude.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with preschool children with special needs preferred.
- Must be willing to frequently get up and down off of the floor to work with and keep up with a young child.
- Must be high energy and able to keep alert.
- Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with teachers and staff.
- Must complete twenty (20) hours of professional development related to assignment each year (July 1- June 30) to continue employment.
- Must obtain 'highly qualified' status within one (1) year from date of hire.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working with preschool children with special needs preferred.
- Must have or obtain and maintain current certificate in LIU-approved crisis management and intervention program.
Benefits
- Medical (for a nominal premium), dental and vision insurance. Dental & Vision are at no cost to the employee.
- All full-time support staff receive a $30,000 life insurance policy, at no cost to the employee.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for any employees and eligible dependents, including 3 free counseling sessions per year, per person.
- Short-term Disability
- Long-term Disability
- Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS)
- Paid Time Off
- Access to the Lincoln Health and Wellness Center - an on-site health clinic available to employees and their family members (2 years & older) enrolled in the LIU medical plan.
