The Stepping Stones Group Make a Difference Every Day
Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!
School-Based Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | Full-Time | K-12 Autism and Special Education | Multiple Openings
About the Opportunity
Are you passionate about supporting students and helping them take part fully in the school day? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) to join our team during the 2026-2027 school year. This is more than a job. It's a chance to provide the individualized support students need to stay safe, build confidence, and join in school activities. We have multiple full-time openings.
You'll work closely with teachers, special education staff, and school teams to support students with moderate to severe needs, including personal care, behavior, and safety. Assignments may be 1:1, 2:1, or classroom support.
- Pay: $20-$21 per hour
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time, 30 hours per week (6 hours per day plus a 30-minute unpaid break), school-day hours, no evenings or overnights
- Setting: Onsite, K-12, 1:1, 2:1, and classroom support in general education and special education settings
- Start date: Fall 2026, through the end of the 2026-27 school year (early June)
- Employment type: W-2
- Location: Shared with candidates during the application process
What You’ll Do
- Provide 1:1 or 2:1 student support throughout the school day, and support the classroom as needed
- Assist with self-care and activities of daily living (ADLs), including toileting, diapering, dressing, and feeding
- Provide mobility assistance as needed
- Provide behavioral support and intervention, including support for students who elope, using positive reinforcement and safety procedures
- Provide general academic support, including help with assignments
- Support student participation in classroom instruction and school activities
- Assist students during arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunch, and recess as assigned
- Follow IEP accommodations, care plans, and behavior plans as directed
- Monitor student safety and well-being throughout the school day
- Assist the teacher(s) and classroom aides as needed
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and special education staff
- Maintain accurate documentation, and protect student confidentiality and dignity
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience supporting students with moderate to severe needs
- Experience working with students in school-based settings
- Comfort with and ability to provide personal care, including toileting and diapering
- Ability to manage elopement and challenging behaviors safely
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to follow health, safety, and student support procedures
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Authorization to work in the United States; English proficiency
You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are Open To:
- Working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional disturbance (ED), other health impairments (OHI), and significant behavioral needs
- Working with medically fragile students
- Providing personal care with patience, respect, and professionalism
- Working with students of all ages and all caseloads
- Working in both general education and special education settings
- Adjusting your caseload or school site based on district needs
- Working fully onsite and in person
Preferred Qualifications
- Current CPI certification or training
- Experience as a paraprofessional, instructional aide, behavior technician, CNA, home health aide, or direct support professional (DSP)
- Experience with personal care, ADL support, lifting, and transfers
- Experience with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or complex medical