Title: Substitute Aide

Reports to:  Assistant Principal

Employment Information: Per Diem, FLSA-non-exempt, part-time, 10-month, union position

Summary:

The Substitute Aide provides coverage for a variety of roles across the school, with assignments determined by daily school and student needs. In this role, the Substitute Aide supports students with diverse academic, behavioral, language, and physical needs, assisting teachers in implementing instructional plans and promoting individual growth. Responsibilities include providing instructional assistance, personal care, and engaging students in meaningful learning experiences. The Substitute Aide works closely with students to foster academic, social, and emotional development, ensuring full participation and accessibility in the classroom and throughout the school. Assignments may include one-on-one support, assisting with personal care, classroom support, cafeteria tasks, covering a teacher for the day, or other duties as required to meet school needs, and the Substitute Aide is expected to carry out all assigned responsibilities professionally and collaboratively.

Responsibilities:

The Substitute Aide provides temporary support in various school roles based on student and classroom needs for the day. Responsibilities may include:

• Serving as a 1:1 Aide, providing individualized support to students with academic, behavioral, language, or physical needs in accordance with IEPs.
• Assisting as a Teacher Aide for an entire class, supporting instructional activities, classroom management, and student engagement.
• Supporting cafeteria operations, assisting with meal service, organization, and related tasks as needed.
• Covering as a Substitute Teacher, implementing lesson plans and maintaining a safe, structured learning environment.
• Share weekly availability with designated administrators and respond promptly to scheduling requests to support consistent coverage of student and classroom needs
• Supporting daily routines and transitions, including morning arrival, classroom rotations, specials, breaks, and end-of-day activities.
• Assisting with personal care and life skills support when required, including diapering, toileting, or mobility assistance for younger students.
• Collaborating with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to ensure continuity of instruction and student support.
• Maintaining a professional demeanor and contributing to a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• 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; Associate’s (AA) or Bachelor’s (BA) degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• Demonstrated American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency at a Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above required; advanced proficiency 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.
• Paraeducators are required to complete twenty (20) hours of professional development trainings annually.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, kneel, or crouch on the floor to engage with students, especially younger children, during play and instructional activities.
• Ability to lift, transfer, or assist students as needed, including onto chairs, tables, or for toileting and mobility support.
• Capacity to assist with personal care tasks when required, including diapering, feeding, or dressing for preschool-aged students.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, and other school spaces.
• Ability to lift and carry light to moderate objects, such as instructional materials, student supplies, or equipment.
• Manual dexterity to use classroom and cafeteria 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, cafeteria, gym, and other facilities.
• Exposure to varying noise levels and activity levels, including active classrooms and student interactions.
• Responsibilities may require working with students who need personal care, behavioral support, or physical assistance.
• Assignments are based on school needs and may include 1:1 support, classroom assistance, cafeteria tasks, substitute teaching, or other duties as required.
• Must respond flexibly to changing student needs, schedules, and assignments throughout the day.
• Frequent collaboration with teachers, related service providers, and other staff.

Mental & Cognitive Demands:

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and adapt to the individual needs of multiple students and assignments.
• Attention to detail for implementing instructional or behavioral plans and collecting student data.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to respond appropriately to student behaviors and instructional needs.
• Emotional resilience, patience, and flexibility in supporting students with diverse academic, behavioral, and physical needs.
• Ability to follow directions, implement plans consistently, and collaborate effectively with teaching teams and other staff.

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.