Personal Care Assistant - SPED (Level D)

DEFINITION: The Personal Care Assistant (PCA) works under close supervision to support teachers and students in the D-Level Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) setting. Key functions include providing behavioral support, implementing crisis intervention strategies (CPI), assisting with students' personal care needs, modifying classroom materials, monitoring students during non-instructional times, completing Medicaid billing, and diligently documenting behavior and progress.Essential Functions (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledges, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).TasksI. Instructional and Related Services SupportAssist teachers in providing instruction and behavioral support for students with intense behavioral needs within the classroom and school environment.Support the delivery of related services, including Speech, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Adaptive Physical Education (APE).Prepare and adapt classroom materials for instructional activities and lessons (e.g., creating visual schedules, simplifying assignments).Monitor, reinforce, and document student academic performance and behavior.Perform other related duties as assignedII. Daily Living and Personal CareProvide instruction and assistance to students in developing essential life skills and activities of daily living, including support with eating, dressing, and personal hygiene activities, as identified on each student's IEP.Monitor and assist students with personal care including eating, toileting, personal hygiene, and medical needs, as identified on each student's IEP.Aide students with mobility, which requires the ability to safely lift a minimum of 50 pounds.Provide support during occupational and physical therapy sessions throughout the school dayPerform other related duties as assignedIII. Behavior Management and SafetyDeliver behavioral support and reinforcement as directed by the teacher.Implement and support positive strategies to promote appropriate behavior, daily living skills, and academic instruction.Actively use ALL strategies of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and implement all components of including, de-escalation, non-violent crisis intervention, and intermediate physical skills.Follow and document Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) to manage outbursts or off-task behavior and ensure a safe environment for students and staff.Monitor and document each student's academic and behavioral progress using charts or digital logs.Assist in maintaining the classroom setting, cleaning, and sanitizing materials and furniture to ensure a healthy and safe environment.Document any student-related incidents, such as restraints or injuries.Perform other related duties as assignedIV. Clerical/Administrative SupportConsistently complete daily Medicaid billing according to each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).Perform general clerical tasks, such as making copies and filing paperwork.Organize materials and prepare the classroom for instruction.Supervise and monitor students during "unstructured" times, including lunch, recess, bus loading, and specials, as needed, as well as before and after school.Attend mandatory workshops and meetings.Perform other related duties as assigned. Skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Knowledge of District policies and procedures, special education standards, and special needs accommodations.Knowledge of developmental, physical, and mental delays, and emotional disabilities.Skill in effective verbal and written communication.Skill in following oral and written instructions.Skill in utilizing sensory/therapy/communication equipment.Skill in monitoring and assisting with positive learning behaviors and providing positive behavioral supports.Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.Previous experience working with students with severe emotional/ behavioral issuesPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. Works requires frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. May be exposed to infectious diseases.QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalent.Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.Must be able to obtain CPR certification.CPI CertifiedA minimum of one (1) year of childcare or classroom experience AND one (1) year of experience working with students with significant behavioral needs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.Additional District-specified Certifications May Be Required.Depending on the needs of the District, some incumbents in this class must be able to demonstrate fluency in both Spanish and English as a condition of employment.Salary Grade: H Hourly Pay: $20.35 plus an additional $3.00 per hour Hours per Day: 7 Days in Contract: 195 Start Date: 2026/2027 School Year Additional Information: 8.0 FTE Positions Available