Early Intervention Special Education Aide- Part Time

Location: IU8 GJCTC • Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Chief Education Officer • Part-Time per 180-day program calendar • Non-Exempt

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, 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 region includes 35 school districts, 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, providing instructional support and direct assistance to students with disabilities to ensure they benefit from special education programs and services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The role involves following teaching professionals’ directives and adhering to federal, state, and IU policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive, productive relationships across educational environments.
• Follow daily classroom and individual learner schedules as directed by the teacher.
• Initiate and manage daily activities and assigned tasks independently.
• Assist with general clerical and classroom duties as assigned.
• Provide instructional activities to individuals or groups of learners after initial instruction and modeling by a certified professional.
• Collect and record data under the direction of the teaching professional or supervisor.
• Use developmentally and age-appropriate strategies, equipment, materials, and technologies as planned by educational professionals.
• Prepare, adapt, and organize materials to support teaching and learning as directed.
• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment and implement individual and classroom behavior plans.
• Provide guidance, assistance, and positive reinforcement to learners during instructional and non-instructional activities.
• Deliver accommodations as directed by teaching professionals and outlined in the learner’s IEP, including adapting instructional strategies and materials.
• Support learners throughout the program day, including transitions, arrival, and dismissal, both within and outside the physical building.
• Assist with activities of daily living and self-care as directed by the teacher and included in the IEP, considering developmental and individual needs (e.g., mobility, eating, toileting, hygiene).
• Follow established procedures for safe physical assistance of learners, including lifting, transitioning, evacuating, and repositioning.
• Support learners in inclusive settings using strategies that promote independence and access aligned with individual IEP needs.
• 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.
• Apply effective problem-solving, flexible thinking, conflict management, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrate adequate academic skills, including oral and written communication.
• Use technology to support student learning and meet work requirements.
• Engage in activities to develop personal knowledge and skills.
• Accept and apply constructive feedback.
• Adhere to IU standards of practice, procedures, and policies.
• Complete accurate and timely Personal Care Assistant Logs where required by Medical ACCESS.
• Complete and provide evidence of 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, and state and federal laws.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or higher; OR completed two years of postsecondary study with a minimum of 48 credit hours; OR High School Diploma or equivalent 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.

Qualifications

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

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The role operates in typical school and classroom environments, including outdoor and community-based activities. Some travel on school transportation, such as buses and vans, may be required. The physical demands include:

• Strength and ability to lift and/or assist learners ages 3 to 21, weighing up to 40 pounds, including assistive appliances like wheelchairs.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods.
• Ability to move about various work environments.
• Ability to position oneself to manage and retrieve job materials and supplies.
• Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Regular operation of a computer.
• Ability to communicate information effectively in various ways 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).