The Stepping Stones GroupMake a Difference Every Day Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!School-Based Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | Full-Time | K-12 Special Education | Multiple OpeningsAbout the OpportunityAre you passionate about supporting students and helping them take part fully in the school day? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) to join our team during the 2026-2027 school year. This is more than a job. It's a chance to provide the individualized support students need to stay safe, build confidence, and join in school activities. We have multiple full-time openings across a school district.You'll work closely with teachers, special education staff, and school teams to support students who need personal care, behavioral, academic, or emotional support. Assignments may be 1:1, 2:1, small-group, or classroom support, and student needs change often, so flexibility is key.Pay: $19-$23 per hourSchedule: Monday-Friday, full-time, 35 hours per week (7 hours per day plus a 30-minute unpaid break), within a 7:45 AM-4:15 PM window, no evenings or overnightsSetting: Onsite, K-12, 1:1, 2:1, small-group, and classroom support in general education and special education settingsStart date: Immediate, through the end of the 2026-27 school year (mid-June)Employment type: W-2Location: Shared with candidates during the application processWhat You'll DoProvide 1:1, 2:1, or small-group student support throughout the school day, and support the classroom as neededAssist with personal care and activities of daily living (ADLs), including feeding, toileting, diapering, and mobility assistanceProvide behavioral support and intervention using positive reinforcement and safety proceduresProvide emotional support and general academic support, including help with assignmentsCollect and document data as directed by the teacher and school teamSupport student participation in classroom instruction and school activitiesAssist students during arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunch, and recess as assignedFollow IEP accommodations, care plans, and behavior plans as directedMonitor student safety and well-being throughout the school dayAssist the teacher(s) and classroom aides as neededCollaborate with teachers, therapists, and special education staffMaintain accurate documentation, and protect student confidentiality and dignityMinimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalentExperience working with students with special needs in a school or clinic settingA commute of 40 minutes or less to the school site (own transportation highly preferred)Comfort with and ability to provide personal care, including toileting and diaperingResponsiveness and availability for an in-person or virtual interview with the schoolAbility to follow health, safety, and student support proceduresStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationshipsAuthorization to work in the United States; English proficiencyYou'll Thrive in This Role If You Are Open To:Working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emotional disturbance (ED), other health impairments (OHI), and significant behavioral needsWorking with medically fragile studentsProviding personal care with patience, respect, and professionalismWorking with students of all ages and all caseloadsWorking in both general education and special education settingsAdjusting your caseload or school site based on district needsWorking fully onsite and in personPreferred QualificationsExperience working with students with special needs in a school settingExperience as a paraprofessional, instructional aide, behavior technician, CNA, home health aide, or direct support professional (DSP)Experience with personal care, ADL support, lifting, and transfersExperience supporting students with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or complex medical needsCPR and First Aid certificationCPI, Safety-Care, or other crisis prevention and de-escalation trainingAssociate's degree or coursework in education, healthcare, psychology, human services, child development, or a related fieldRelated Experience We ValueExperience as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Personal Care Aide, Paraprofessional, Instructional Aide, Educational Assistant, School Aide, Student Support Assistant, Special Education Assistant, Behavior Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide, Caregiver, or Direct Support Professional (DSP) is highly valued.Why Candidates Choose This RoleMake a direct, daily difference in students' comfort, safety, and participationGain hands-on experience in education and student supportBuild experience for careers in education, psychology, healthcare, nursing, social work, ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapyFollow a predictable school schedule, with weekends, evenings, and holidays typically offWork alongside teachers, therapists, and school professionalsWhy You'll Love Working With UsCompetitive pay of $19-$23 per hourHealth and wellness benefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees401(k) retirement plan for eligible employeesProfessional development and training opportunitiesContinuing education resourcesEmployee referral bonus programResponsive and supportive leadershipOpportunities for career growth and advancementMeaningful work that directly impacts students and communitiesPhysical RequirementsAbility to remain active throughout the school day, including frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and repositioningAbility to lift, transfer, reposition, or physically assist students safelyAbility to assist with feeding, toileting, and diaperingAbility to respond quickly to health, safety, and behavioral situationsAdditional requirements may vary by assignmentWhat Makes Someone Successful in This Role?Successful Personal Care Assistants are compassionate, dependable, patient, and flexible. They build trusting relationships with students and school teams, provide respectful and consistent personal care, keep students safe, promote independence and inclusion, and help students take part in academic, social, and school activities throughout the day.About The Stepping Stones GroupWe believe every child deserves exceptional support for their academic, behavioral, physical, and social-emotional growth. We partner with schools across the country to provide high-quality services that help students access educational opportunities and achieve meaningful success, and we give our team members the support, training, and resources to thrive.Ready to make an impact? Apply today. Please share your special needs experience, confirm your commute is 40 minutes or less, and include your zip code when you apply. Selected candidates will interview with a school principal, in person or virtually, so please respond quickly when interview times are sent.