Instructional Aide/Autistic Support Aide

Paraprofessional / Autistic Support Special Education Aide

Job Type: Contract

Location: Carnegie, Pennsylvania

Pay: Great Pay!

Job Description

Summary: Seeking a compassionate and dependable Paraprofessional / Autistic Support Special Education Aide to provide individualized and small-group support to students with special education needs. Working under the direction of classroom and special education teachers, the aide will support students with academic programming, behavior plans, communication, social skills, daily living skills, personal care, and safety needs outlined in their IEPs. This position is ideal for someone who is patient, adaptable, comfortable providing hands-on student support, and passionate about helping students develop greater independence and succeed at school.

What You'll Do:

• Provide individual and small-group support under the direction of classroom and special education teachers.
• Implement instructional and support programs developed by teachers and related service providers.
• Follow student IEPs and provide required accommodations and supports.
• Assist students with daily living, social, communication, self-help, and safety skills.
• Assist with toileting, hygiene, and personal-care needs when required.
• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans and Positive Behavior Support Plans under teacher direction.
• Monitor student behavior and reinforce appropriate behavioral strategies.
• Support students during classroom activities, transitions, and other parts of the school day.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral or crisis situations according to training and established protocols.
• Provide active supervision to maintain student safety.
• Serve as a bus monitor when assigned.
• Collaborate with teachers, special education professionals, related service providers, and administrators.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students and school personnel.
• Complete classroom-related documentation and clerical responsibilities as needed.
• Remain flexible regarding student, classroom, building, and caseload assignments.
• Participate in required job training and professional development.
• Maintain required CPR/First Aid and Crisis Intervention/Restraint training.
• Provide physical assistance to students when necessary, which may include lifting, guidance, transport, or trained restraint.

Experience You'll Need:

• High school diploma required.
• Experience supporting students or individuals with autism, intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral needs, or life-skills needs strongly preferred.
• Ability to provide personal-care assistance, including toileting and hygiene.
• Comfortable implementing IEP-directed student supports.
• Ability to follow behavioral plans and positive behavior-support strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and other school professionals.
• Ability to adapt to changing student and classroom needs.
• Ability to provide physical assistance and lift up to approximately 40 pounds when required.
• Preferred: Associate degree.
• Preferred: PDE-qualified Paraeducator status.
• Preferred: Previous Special Education Aide/Paraprofessional experience.
• Preferred: Autism Support or Life Skills classroom experience.
• Preferred: Behavior-support experience.
• Preferred: CPR/First Aid certification.
• Preferred: Crisis intervention/restraint training.
• Preferred: Bilingual skills.