Early Intervention Special Education Aide - Part Time

Location: Blair County

Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Chief Education Officer

Terms: Part-Time per 180 day program calendar

About the Organization

The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (AIU8) is one of 29 intermediate units providing services to member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs. IU8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties (Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria) within a 3,500-square-mile area. The service area includes 35 school districts, approximately 98 schools, and five Career Technical Centers, with office locations in Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset.

About the Role

This position works under the direct supervision of a certified teaching professional to provide support and assistance with the instructional program and direct supports to students with disabilities, ensuring each student benefits from the special education program and services as determined by their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The role involves following teaching professionals' directives and adhering to all federal and state laws, regulations, IU policies, procedures, and the ESPA Agreement.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships across all educational environments.
• Follow daily classroom and individual learner schedules as directed by the teacher.
• Be self-directed in initiating daily schedules of activities and assigned tasks.
• Assist with general clerical and classroom duties as assigned by the teaching professional.
• After initial instruction and modeling, follow written plans and provide instructional activities to individuals or groups of learners.
• Collect and record data under the direction and guidance of the teaching professional and/or supervisor.
• Use developmentally and age-appropriate strategies, equipment, materials, and technologies as planned and directed by educational professionals.
• Prepare, adapt, and/or organize materials to support teaching and learning as directed by a certified/licensed professional.
• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment and implement individual and classroom behavior plans.
• Provide guidance, help, and positive reinforcement to learners during instructional and non-instructional activities.
• Provide accommodations as directed by teaching professionals and as outlined in the learner's IEP, including adapting instructional strategies and materials.
• Support, supervise, and assist learners throughout the program day, including transitions, arrival, and dismissal (e.g., disembarking/boarding transportation).
• Assist learners with activities of daily living and self-care as directed by the teacher and included in the IEP (e.g., walking, eating/drinking, toileting, hygiene).
• Follow established procedures for safe physical assistance of learners, including lifting, transitioning, evacuating, and repositioning.
• Support learners in inclusive settings with strategies for independence and access aligned to individual needs as identified by the IEP.
• Participate in conferences with families or primary caregivers as a member of the educational team when requested.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity in cultural heritages, lifestyles, and value systems among children, youth, and families.
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving, flexible thinking, conflict management, and good judgment.
• Use technology to support student learning and meet work requirements.
• Engage in activities that promote personal knowledge and skill development.
• Accept and use constructive feedback.
• Follow IU standards of practice, procedures, and policies.
• Complete accurate and timely Personal Care Assistant Logs, as required by Medical ACCESS.
• Complete and provide evidence of twenty (20) hours of role-related training each school year.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Use a personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state, and federal laws.

Requirements

• Associates Degree or Higher; OR
• Completed two years of postsecondary study with a minimum of 48 credit hours; OR
• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency with completion of the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators through the PA Department of Education.
• Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History), Act 114 (PDE Fingerprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest & Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background).
• Upon hire, obtain a certificate of medical examination and tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code.

Desired Qualifications

• Effective communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Basic technology skills.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The environment includes typical school and classroom settings, as well as outdoor and community-based activities. Some travel on school transportation, including school buses and passenger vans, may be required. The physical demands include:

• Strength and ability to lift and/or assist in lifting and moving learners ages 3 to 21, up to 40 pounds, including assistive appliances (e.g., wheelchairs).
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to move about various work environments.
• Ability to position self to manage and retrieve job materials and supplies.
• Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to operate a computer regularly.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively for understanding.
• Ability to complete physical trainings, including CPR, First Aid, and Safe Crisis Management with De-escalation.

Benefits

• Pennsylvania Public Schools Employee's Retirement System (PSERS).