Special Education Paraeducator/Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Environmental Charter School; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 30,394 - 37,149; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403b retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

A progressive educational institution in Pittsburgh is seeking a Special Education Paraeducator/Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for the 2025-26 school year. Responsibilities include supporting students with health and behavioral needs, assisting in daily living activities, and collaborating with teachers. Candidates should have at least 2 years of post-high school education, with a preference for a bachelor's degree. A comprehensive benefits plan is included, with a salary of $33,772. Apply at the provided link.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting students with health and behavioral needs.
• Familiarity with charter schools and student assistance.

Responsibilities

• Provide services related to students' health and behavioral needs.
• Assist with daily living activities.
• Support teachers with materials and resources.
• Participate in professional growth opportunities.

Skills

Ability to support students

Energetic and progressive mindset

Collaboration with building staff

Education

At least 2 years of post-high school education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Special Education Paraeducator/Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

The Environmental Charter School is seeking candidates for its 2025-26 school year. Successful candidates must be progressive minded and embody a can-do spirit and work ethic. Must be flexible in carrying out their responsibilities in support of students' needs and classroom duties.

Our Philosophy and Mission

As the world changes and becomes increasingly more complex, global citizens will need to be equipped with skills that allow them to be flexible thinkers, creative problem solvers, and effective leaders. ECS offers a program that develops students into critical thinkers, thoughtful innovators, and well-rounded scholars. We provide students the tools and educational foundation to become tomorrow’s global citizen, and we strive to teach students how their choices impact the world around them. By using environmental content as a lens for instruction, ECS provides students a context in which to explore ideas and observations, to practice inquiry and to actively problem solve. Throughout their academic career at ECS, students build core skills across all disciplines, and then actively apply these skills to support the impact of learning.

Working at the Environmental Charter School

The Environmental Charter School’s faculty and staff are passionate, talented and uncompromising with a mission to make sure all students succeed at a high level following our guiding principles of catalyst, character, collaboration, and commitment. Every aspect of our organization and program is designed – and continually refined – to ensure that goal. Our work is student-centered, constantly improving, and reflective. ECS’s progressive approach to education challenges faculty to take risks. We strongly value collaboration and recognize the power of systems thinking. Our high achievement scores, long waiting lists, and unique location in the city of Pittsburgh, serve as a model in environmentally-focused education.

Overview

The Special Education Paraeducator / Personal Care Assistant has a strong interest in supporting students. The role works collaboratively with classroom teachers, special educators, building specialists, and the Building and Department Leadership Teams. Candidates should be energetic and progressive minded, with a willingness to work collaboratively with building staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Services provided by the Special Education Paraeducator / Personal Care Assistant (PCA) are related to students’ individual health and behavioral needs as documented in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Assistance with eating, dressing, grooming, toilet needs, activities of daily living, behavioral assistance, support on the school bus, and remedial activities to reduce the impact of a student’s disability.
• Reteach and/or reinforce academic, behavior, or language skills designed by a special education teacher
• Support teachers in the preparation of classroom materials and resources
• Attend grade-level meetings at least monthly
• Fully participate in opportunities for professional growth, including weekly professional development meetings, instructional coaching, and outside professional opportunities

Educational Background and Work Experience

• At least 2 years of post-high school education is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Familiarity with charter schools and working with students

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary of $33,772 plus participation in acomprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, and participation in a generous 403b retirement plan.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: https://ecspgh.org/careers/.

Clearances current within one year of hire date will be required and include Arrest & Conviction Disclosure, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Clearance (Act 34), and FBI Criminal Background Check (Act 114). Commonwealth of PA Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (Act 168) and Mandatory Reporter Training will also be required.

ECS is an equal opportunity employer.