1:1 Aide in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania School For The Deaf

Reports to: Principal/Supervisor

Employment Information: This is a full-time, FLSA-non-exempt, 10-month union position.

Summary

The 1:1 Aide provides individualized support to students based on their IEP requirements, assisting with academic, behavioral, language, and/or physical needs. Responsibilities vary depending on the student’s age, developmental level, and goals, and may include facilitating classroom participation, implementing instructional plans, supporting language development in American Sign Language (ASL), providing personal care, and promoting social and emotional growth. The 1:1 Aide works closely with teachers and related service providers, applying strong educator skills to ensure each student can fully access the curriculum and engage meaningfully in learning experiences, while creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.When a student is absent, the 1:1 Aide will be reassigned to other roles across departments for the day based on student and classroom needs.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting teachers in the implementation of instructional plans, including one-on-one academic or language support.
• Assisting with the development and preparation of instructional materials.
• Providing personal care and life skills support as outlined in students’ IEPs (e.g., hygiene, changing clothes, feeding, mobility, toileting).
• Supporting students in daily routines, including classroom transitions, rotations, morning activities, and end-of-day preparations.
• Assisting with specials and scheduled breaks, ensuring students are supervised and engaged appropriately.
• Collecting and documenting student data, tracking progress toward academic, behavioral, or life skills goals.
• Supervising students in various activities, including meals, playground, and field trips.
• Collaborating with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to ensure students have full access to the curriculum.
• Participating in team meetings, professional development, and planning sessions.
• Demonstrating a professional demeanor and contributing to a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• When assigned students are absent, being reassigned to other roles across departments for the day based on student and classroom needs.
• All paraeducators are required to complete twenty (20) hours of professional development training annually.
• Consistently use the school’s prescribed interventions for behavior, classroom management, and student engagement
• Model and exhibit PSD’s core values Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement in all interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support student success.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required. An Associate's degree from an accredited university is preferred.
• Demonstrated American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency at a Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above required; advanced preferred.
• Some background or experience in an educational setting is preferred.
• Meet entry-level requirements on PSD's Credential of Competency of Paraeducator within three (3) years from date of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, kneel, or crouch on the floor to engage with students, especially preschool-aged children, during play and instructional activities.
• Ability to lift, transfer, or assist students onto diaper-changing tables, toilet seats, chairs, or other equipment as needed for toileting or mobility support.
• Ability to assist with personal care tasks, including diapering, dressing, and feeding, when required by students’ IEPs.
• Capacity to walk, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout the classroom and school campus.
• Ability to lift and carry light to moderate objects (e.g., instructional materials, student supplies).
• Manual dexterity for using classroom equipment, technology, and visual supports.
• Ability to attend to students’ needs for extended periods, including direct supervision, personal care, and interactive learning.

Working Conditions:

• School-based environment, including classrooms, playgrounds, gym, and other school facilities.
• Exposure to varying noise levels, including active classrooms and student interactions.
• May work with students who require personal care, behavioral interventions, or physical support, including diapering and toileting assistance for preschool-aged students.
• Responsibilities include supporting arrival, morning routines, rotations, specials, breaks, and end-of-day activities.
• Frequent collaboration with teachers, related service providers, and other staff.
• Must be able to respond flexibly to changing student needs and classroom assignments across all ages (preschool through age 22).

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees with disabilities, as long as such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship or remove the essential functions of the job. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@psd.org