Educational Assistant III

Cumberland Valley High School; Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland Valley School District is hiring an Educational Assistant (EA) III for the 2026-2027 year. The role focuses on emotional support with a starting wage of $20.60/hr and a 7.5-hour workday.

Primary duties include instructional support, classroom activity management, and aiding with educational programs in autistic or emotional support settings. Candidates with direct experience in autistic or emotional support classrooms are preferred.

Qualifications

• Direct experience in autistic or emotional support settings preferred.
• Needs patience and ability to interact with diverse learners.
• Strong communication and collaboration with staff required.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support and assist with educational programs.
• Help manage classroom and building activities alongside teachers.
• Support implementation of emotional support strategies aligned to student needs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Fluent English

Experience with autism/emotional/needs

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree preferred

Job description

Cumberland Valley School District has an Educational Assistant (EA) III position, offering 7.5 work hours per day. Individuals selected for EA III assignments will have responsibilities that are tailored to the emotional support program, ensuring that educational strategies, support services and student development are aligned with the unique needs, backgrounds and learning styles of these students. EA III's are compensated at a starting wage of $20.60/hr for the 2026-2027 school year.

The primary program assignment for an EA III will be in an autistic or emotional support classroom. Priority will be given to candidates possessing direct experience within an autistic or emotional support classroom.

The EA plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and effective learning environment, ensuring that all students can succeed. This position works closely with classroom teachers and other district employees to provide instructional support, manage classroom/building activities and assist with the implementation of educational programs. Strong interpersonal skills are required and the desire to work interactively with students and staff is essential.

Personal knowledge and work experience with school-aged children and children with cognitive, physical and behavioral disabilities is highly sought. Experience and working knowledge supporting program delivery for students with disabilities in a public school system is highly desired. However, training will be provided.

Candidates should be sensitive to students from a variety of cultures and have patience with students trying to learn a second language. Fluency in English is required while multilingual abilities are a plus.

The successful candidate must have a high school diploma. A two-year Associates Degree or higher is preferred (or the ability to pass a highly-qualified assessment). The employee must take twenty (20) hours of training annually to maintain their Highly Qualified Status. The individual must be able to stand and sit for long periods of time, bend, stretch and lift 50 pounds as well as having corrected hearing and vision within normal ranges.

If hired for employment, the applicant must be able to submit the following:

• Criminal Record Check (less than one year old)
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance (less than one year old)
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (less than one year old)
• TB Test/Mantoux (less than 3 months old)
• Physical - if applicable (less than 1 year old)

Applicants requiring assistance or needing any accommodations for an employment test or interviewing process are asked to advise us in advance.

Cumberland Valley School District prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment, on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, parenting status, pregnancy or handicap/disability in its activities, programs or employment practices. More information regarding the complaint process and complaint forms can be found at: https://www.cvschools.org/page/non-discrimination-information.