TITLE:  PERSONAL HEALTH CARE AIDE

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

To work in the classroom/school setting with identified students by supporting their individual needs and providing a variety of health care services under the direct supervision of professional staff.

Work closely with one or a few handicapped pupils on a regular basis in an effort to provide them with the physical help and emotional support they need to gain as full benefits from the division's special education program as possible.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Hold the minimum of a high school diploma/GED.
2. Must have Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certification (www.ets.org/parapro)
3. Certificate of Autism Spectrum Disorder training * www.vcuautismcenter.org/training/paraprofessionals.cfm
4. Be at least 21 years of age.
5. Current CPR certification and First Aid training
6. Medical/Health certification and/or work experience (CNA/EMT/LPN/etc) preferred
7. Display interest and ability in working with students with specialized needs.
8. Knowledge of Universal Hygiene Precautions.

*Must be presented within 90 days of employment as a condition of contract    

REPORTS TO:  Principal, School Nurse, Classroom and Special Education Teachers; Student Health Services Personnel

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Comply with contracted work hour schedules.
2. Complete assignments and duties as outlined by the school nurse, teacher, and principal.
3. Comply with all school board policies and State laws relative to special education classroom operations.
4. Work under protocols established by the school nurse.
5. Provide a variety of health care services to identified students under the direct supervision of professional staff
6. Assist in the maintenance of medical records and daily logs of services provided.
7. Reports observation to the school nurse/case manager when appropriate.
8. Assist the teacher in providing for the individual learning needs and abilities of identified students including the management of personal health care needs *
9. Assist student(s) to whom assigned in such physical tasks to include, but not limited to, lavatory assistance, personal hygiene, changing clothes, feeding, lifting, and assistance with mobility.
10. May be required to perform specialized procedures, after proper training, such as urinary catheterization, gastric tube feedings, diabetes management, and seizure disorder management.
11. Observe and assess student /patient conditions and administer appropriate treatment.
12. Exhibit the necessary physical, mental, and emotional ability to execute duties as outlined by the school nurse, teacher, and principal.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the school nurse, principal, and/or special education and classroom teachers.

*Job risks exposure to disease/pathogens; blood and bodily fluids; medications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand.  The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures and policies, and regulations.  Must possess the ability to write reports and procedure manuals.  Must possess the ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions from school personnel and parents.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Must possess the ability to work with fundamental mathematical concepts.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Must possess the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 185-Day Contract (7 hrs per day)

EVALUATION:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of certificated personnel.