Personal Care Assistant - Therapeutic Emotional Support (Elementary Level)

Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12; Paradise (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage (nominal premium)

Free dental and vision for employee/de

Life insurance $30,000 at no cost

EAP with counseling services

Paid time off: sick + personal days

Disability coverage option

PSERS retirement benefits

Wellness center access

Job summary

Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 is seeking a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for Therapeutic Emotional Support at the Paradise School in Abbottstown, PA. The position supports a student in developing independence, communication, and mobility while collaborating with teachers and staff.

Qualified applicants have a high school diploma, CPR/First Aid, and a willingness to complete required PA Dept. of Education trainings. This is a full-time, 7 hours/day, 188 days/year role with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must have or obtain and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience supporting students with behavioral and/or emotional needs preferred.
• Must obtain LIU-approved crisis management and intervention certification within one year from date of hire.
• Must obtain PA Department of Education competency within one year from hire.
• Must complete 20 hours of professional development related to assignment each year.
• Relevant experience working with students in an educational setting preferred.
• Requires patience, flexibility, and positive attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with teachers and staff.

Skills

Patience

Flexibility

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

First Aid & CPR certification

Tools

LIU-approved crisis management program

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12

Personal Care Assistant - Therapeutic Emotional Support (Elementary Level) JobID: 4681

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Special Education Assistants
• Date Posted: 10/20/2026
• Location: Paradise School, Abbottstown, PA
• Date Available: Immediate Opening
• Closing Date: 11/02/2026

Program

Special Education - Therapeutic Emotional Support

Description

The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) plays a vital role in supporting a student's overall development by promoting self-sufficiency, communication, interpersonal skills, social engagement, academic progress, and mobility. This role involves assisting the student in accessing their educational program through a variety of supports, including help with balance, visual-perceptual activities, fine and gross motor skill development, boarding and exiting the school van, and maintaining focus through appropriate prompts. The position requires a strong commitment to student success and collaboration with the teaching team to foster an enriching educational environment.

Please see attached job description for more details.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must have or obtain and maintain a current certificate in First Aid and CPR
• Experience supporting students with behavioral and/or emotional needs is preferred
• Must have or obtain and maintain current certificate in LIU-approved crisis management and intervention program, preferred
• Must obtain additional competency as mandated by PA Dept. of Education (within one year from date of hire)
• Must complete twenty (20) hours of professional development related to assignment each year
• Relevant experience working with students in an educational setting, preferred
• Patience, flexibility, and positive attitude
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with teachers and staff

Terms of Employment

Full-time, 7 hours/day, 188 days/year (follows the traditional school year schedule)

Salary

$18.91 per hour (those assigned to Franklin Learning Center, Paradise, or the York Learning Center will earn an additional $0.25/hr.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical insurance available for a nominal premium, plus free dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Life Insurance at No Cost: All full-time support staff receive a $30,000 life insurance policyat no cost.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for employees and dependents, including three counseling sessions per person, per year.
• Paid Time Off: Sick days and Personal days each year.
• Income Protection: Short-term and long-term disability coverage available.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).
• Exclusive Access to the Lincoln Health and Wellness Center: Available to employees and covered family members (age 2+). No copays or deductiblesfor services provided at the center for those enrolled in the LIU medical plan. Learn more: https://www.lincolnhwc.com/

Need Help?

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