Full-Time Paraeducator for Students with Disabilities

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,929 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN in Pittsburgh seeks a Paraeducator to support students with disabilities in collaboration with teachers and staff. The role emphasizes academic, social, emotional, and functional development, promoting independence and inclusion in the classroom and school community.

The position requires an Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred) and a demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children with disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Physical ability to lift, position, and assist students as required by individual needs.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous supervision of students during instructional and non-instructional times, including arrival, transitions, meals, and dismissal.
• Assist with personal care needs, such as feeding, mealtime, toileting, mobility, self-care, and hygiene.
• Implement safety plans, de-escalation strategies, and behavioral supports in collaboration with the teacher and behavioral specialists.
• Ensure a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for all students.
• Assist teachers in implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) by providing one-on-one or small-group instruction.
• Adapt classroom activities and materials to meet students’ unique learning needs, including the use of tactile, auditory, and assistive technology resources when appropriate.
• Reinforce lessons, skills, and concepts introduced by the teacher using structured prompts and cues.
• Support students’ participation in inclusive classroom settings, ensuring accessibility and engagement
• To provide consistency as necessary with behavioral, therapeutic and educational plans and programs.
• Support implementation of positive behavior intervention plans (PBIPs) and reinforcement strategies.
• Model and promote appropriate social skills, self-regulation, and coping strategies.
• Assist in collecting behavioral and academic data to inform progress monitoring and instructional adjustments
• Work under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, and administrators to ensure consistent support strategies.
• Maintain professional and confidential relationships with students, families, and staff.
• To accept/follow directives and supervision regarding the students and their programs.
• To be flexible regarding daily assignments (in the morning and throughout the workday)
• Collect and record data on student performance, participation, and behavior as directed.
• Assist in preparing classroom materials, lesson supports, and activity schedules.
• Follow all school, state, and federal guidelines for documentation, confidentiality, and mandated reporting.

Skills

Disability support

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Emergency response

Education

Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN in Pittsburgh seeks a Paraeducator to support students with disabilities in collaboration with teachers and staff. The role emphasizes academic, social, emotional, and functional development, promoting independence and inclusion in the classroom and school community.

The position requires an Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred) and a demonstrated ability to work with children with disabilities.