Special Education Aide (1:1) - Pressley Ridge School for Autism (Pittsburgh, PA)

About the role

The Special Education Aide (SEA) assists the teaching staff in implementing the individual education and behavioral plans of a student. This position is assigned to a student rather than building-wide or classroom-wide support.

Responsibilities

• Quality Educational Programming
• Integrate experiential education into student’s daily programming.
• Adapting program as designed by the special education teacher/behavior health specialist.
• Implement and monitor behavior/academic contracts and/or interventions designed by the team.
• Absorb assigned student in working through their daily lesson plans as prepared by the teacher.
• Absorb assigned student in participating in daily routine activities.
• Absorb assigned student in participating in recreational activities.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Communication
• Maintain daily communication with team members regarding student programming and progress.
• Documentation
• Maintain written records as required.
• Complete daily ACCESS notes.
• Utilize technology through electronic documentation, electronic communication, and use of the internet to supplement programming.
• Supervision
• Receive supervision.
• Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
• Leadership
• Always maintain visual and auditory contact with the student during the school day unless otherwise arranged with staff.
• Risk Management and Safety
• Follow designated program policy regarding the documentation of critical incidents (such as physical injury or illness, property damage, runaway, student search for drugs or weapons, physical intervention and so on).
• Follow program-designated procedures for all physical contact with the student.
• Follow program-designated procedures for student illness and injury, including arranging necessary medical care – (with appropriate approval) – informing appropriate persons of the situation, and documenting the injury/illness and actions taken.
• According to a designated schedule, supervise the student’s arrival and departure to school via buses and cabs.
• When arranged with staff, assist other staff, as needed, in physical interventions to protect students and staff from injury.
• When transporting students, maintain safe driving procedures as indicated in the transportation policy.

Qualifications

• Education/Credentials/Licensure: Requires high school diploma or equivalent. Requires proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) within two (2) years of employment for the School for the Deaf. Requires a valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance for positions in all schools except School for the Deaf and School for Autism.
• Experience: Requires experience working with children.
• Clearances Required by Applicable Regulations: State Police, FBI, Child Abuse Clearances, Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training certificate and/or statement.

Skills

• Cultural Sensitivity
• Communication
• Documentation
• Supervision
• Risk Management and Safety

Benefits

• Medical coverage available with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
• Prescription coverage
• Dental and vision plans
• Patient advocate and Medicare specialists available at no cost
• Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account
• Wellness incentive (up to $250)
• 403b with employer give/match
• Free life insurance and AD&L
• Paid sick time (up to 15 days)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Tuition reimbursement (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pay

Pay is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Schedule is dependent on school schedule. Flexibility to meet student needs.

PRSD is on a 12-month schedule. PRSA and Day Schools are on a 10-month/ school year schedule.