Pressley Ridge·Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Assists program staff in implementing individual education and behavioral plans for students within a classroom and community setting. Provides crisis support using de-escalation strategies and maintains detailed documentation of student progress and critical incidents.
Be the change you wish to see in the world! Come join our team to empower children and families in our communities to transform their lives and develop to their full potential.
The Special Education Aide – Building Support (SEA – BS) assists the program staff throughout the building and/or in the community in assuring the effective implementation of the individual education and behavioral plans of an individual student or students within a classroom setting. This position will also assist with crisis support and using de-escalation strategies to support students in crisis.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities
1.
Quality Educational Programming 1.
Integrate experiential education into student’s daily programming.
2.
Adapting program as designed by the special education teacher/ behavior health specialist.
3.
Implement and monitor behavior/academic contracts and/or interventions designed by the team.
4.
Assist assigned student in working through their daily lesson plans as prepared by the teacher.
5.
Assist assigned student in participating in daily routine activities.
6.
Assist assigned student in participating in recreational activities.
7.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
2.
Communication 1.
Maintain daily communication with team members regarding student programming and progress.
3.
Documentation 1.
Maintain written records as required.
2.
Complete daily ACCESS notes.
3.
Utilize technology through electronic documentation, electronic communication, and use of the internet to supplement programming.
4.
Supervision 1.
Receive supervision.
1.
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.
5.
Leadership 1.
Always maintain visual and auditory contact with the student during the school day unless otherwise arranged with staff.
6.
Risk Management and Safety 1.
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).
2.
Follow program-designated procedures for all physical contact with the student.
3.
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.
4.
According to a designated schedule, supervise the student’s arrival and departure to school via buses and cabs.
5.
When arranged with staff, assist other staff, as needed, in physical interventions to protect students and staff from injury.
6.
When transporting students, maintain safe driving procedures as indicated in the transportation policy.
1. Requires high school diploma or equivalent. 2. Requires a valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance. 2.
1. This position requires operating a keypad device 25% of the day and electronic/office equipment 25% of the day. Works in weather conditions about 25% of the day. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. For positions in the School for the Deaf, hearing and speech are not required but ASL proficiency is (see qualifications above). Walking is required 75% of the day. Standing occurs 75% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 50% of the day. This function routinely lifts 10 pounds, 5 times per day. The maximum lift is over 50 pounds, 1 time per day. The position requires the ability to implement physical interventions and meet the physical demands of TCI. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 2.
Mental
Demands: 1. Continually handles distractions that interfere. 2. Frequently performs multiple tasks. 3. Occasionally has needs to make quick decisions, concentrate, and handle diversity of problems. 3.
Environmental
Factors: 1. Environmental demands require this position in schools and in the community. 4.
Working
Hours: 1. Hours dependent on school schedule. Flexibility to meet student needs. 2. PRSA and Day Schools are on a 10-month/ school year schedule.
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license with insurance, and prior experience working with children. Must obtain State Police, FBI, and Child Abuse clearances, as well as Mandated Reporter training.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, special education aide roles are commonly in demand in school settings that need dependable classroom and building support for students with disabilities. These positions are competitive because employers often look for prior child-focused experience, current clearances, and practical reliability, including a valid driver’s license with insurance. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare the original posting, then confirm your clearances and training status before applying.