Early Intervention Special Education Aide - Part Time

Appalchia Intermediate Unit 8; Johnstown (Cambria County); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 seeks a part-time Teacher Aide to support instructional staff in a special education setting. The role requires assisting with classroom activities, following IEP-directed plans, and supporting students with disabilities across school locations.

Under supervision, you will collect data, adapt materials, and help maintain a safe learning environment. A vehicle is often needed to travel between sites, with part-time hours aligned to the 180-day calendar.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher or 48 completed credits.
• High school diploma with PA paraeducator credential.
• Clearances and health requirements must be met.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional program under supervision of certified staff.
• Assist with classroom and clerical duties as assigned.
• Provide direct support to students with disabilities per IEP.
• Collect data and follow written instructional plans.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Effective communication

Ability to follow directions

Confidentiality

Basic technology skills

Education

Associates Degree or Higher

Completed Two Years of Postsecondary study with a minimum of 48 credit hours

High School Diploma or High School Equivalency with completion of the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators

Job description

Teacher Aide Part Time

Location: Blair County

Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Chief Education Officer

Terms: Part-Time per 180 day program calendar

Labor Status: Non-Exempt

Job Classification: Per current ESPA Agreement

Certification: Non-Certificated

Company Overview

The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is one of the 29 intermediate units that provides a vast array of services for member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs and services. IU8 includes four counties comprised of 35 school districts (approximately 98 schools) and five Career Technical Centers. Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties within 3500 square miles. Our service area includes four counties: Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria. We have five different office locations within our service area: Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset. AIU8 has opportunities for everyone and our service area offers a broad range of living environments from rural to more densely populated city areas.

Job Summary

This position works under the direct supervision of a certified teaching professional and provides support and assistance with the instructional program and direct supports and assistance to students with disabilities so each may benefit from the special education program and services as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The position holder is responsible for carrying out the teaching professionals' directives and for following all federal and state laws and regulations, as well as IU Policies, procedures, and guidelines, and the Agreement.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships across all educational environments.
• Follow the daily classroom and individual learner schedules as determined and directed by the teacher. Be self-directed with initiating daily schedule of activities and assigned tasks.
• Assist with general clerical and classroom duties, as assigned by the teaching professional.
• After initial instruction and modeling by the certified and/or licensed professional, follow written plans and provide instructional activities to individual or groups of learners.
• Collect and record data under the direction and guidance of the teaching professional and/or supervisor.
• Use developmentally and age-appropriate strategies, equipment, materials, and technologies, as planned and directed by the educational professional(s).
• As directed by a certified/licensed professional, prepare, adapt, and/or organize materials to support teaching and learning.
• Assist with maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment and follow/implement individual and classroom behavior plans.
• Assist learners by offering guidance, help, and positive reinforcement during instructional and non-instructional activities.
• Provide accommodations as directed by the teaching professionals and part of the learner's IEP, including adapting instructional strategies and materials.
• Assist with providing support, supervision, and assistance to learners throughout the program day and across all locations within and outside the physical building, including times of transition, and arrival (disembarking from transportation/entering building), and dismissal (exiting building/boarding transportation).
• Aid and support learners across all activities of daily living and self-care as directed by the teacher and included in the IEP, considering both developmental needs, as well as individual learner needs (not limited to, walking, eating/drinking, toileting, hygiene)
• Follow established procedures for safe physical assistance of learners including, lifting, transitioning, evacuating, and repositioning.
• Appropriately support learner(s) in inclusive settings with strategies for learner independence and access aligned to the individual needs as identified by the IEP.
• Participate as requested in conferences with families or primary caregivers as members of the educational team.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity in cultural heritages, lifestyles, and value systems among children, youth, and families.
• Demonstrate effective problem solving, flexible thinking, conflict management, and good judgment.
• Demonstrate adequate and sufficient academic skills including oral and written communication.
• Use technology to support student learning and systems established for work requirements.
• Engage in activities that promote own knowledge and skill development.
• Accept and use constructive feedback.
• Follow IU standards of practice, procedures, and policies.
• Where appropriate, complete accurate and timely Personal Care Assistant Logs, as required by Medical ACCESS.
• Complete and provide evidence of twenty (20) hours each school year of training related to the role, responsibilities, and assignment.
• Demonstrates regular and timely attendance
• Must have personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.

Requirements

• Associates Degree or Higher; OR
• Completed Two Years of Postsecondary study with a minimum of 48 credit hours; OR
• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency with completion of the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators through the PA Department of Education
• Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History), Act 114 (PDE Fingerprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest & Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background)
• Upon hire, all new employees must obtain a certificate of medical examination as well as a tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code, 24 P.S.
• 14-1416, 14-1418; 22 PA Code
• 49.12(b) (regarding education); and 28 Pa Code
• 23.44 (regarding health and safety).

Desired Qualifications

• Effective communication (verbal and written) skills
• Ability to follow directions
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Basic technology skills

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment And Physical Demands

The environment is typical school and classroom including locations outside of the building for outdoor activities and community-based activities and events. Some travel on school transportation, including school buses and passenger vans may be required.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strength and ability to list and/or assist in lifting and moving learners ages ranging from 3 to 21 up to 40 pounds, and any assistive appliances, for example: wheelchair.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
• Ability to move about various work environments
• Ability to position self to manage and retrieve various job materials and supplies
• Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to operate a computer on a regular basis
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange information with others in a variety of ways for understanding.
• Ability to complete physical trainings including CPR, First Aid, and Safe Crisis Management with De-escalation

Benefits

• Pennsylvania Public Schools Employee's Retirement System (PSERS)

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is an equal opportunity employer