The Stepping Stones GroupMake a Difference Every Day Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!School-Based Personal Care Assistant (PCA) | Part-Time | Year-Round Special Education Program | PreK-12About the OpportunityAre you passionate about supporting students and helping them take part fully in the school day? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking a dedicated Personal Care Assistant (PCA) to join a year-round special education program. 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 program activities, with a steady schedule that doesn't stop for a summer break.You'll work closely with teachers, special education staff, and program teams to support students who need personal care, behavioral, academic, or emotional support. Assignments may be 1:1, 2:1, or classroom support.Pay: $20-$23 per hourSchedule: Part-time, Monday-Thursday (4 days per week), 28 hours per week (7 hours per day), within an 8:00 AM-3:30 PM window, no evenings or overnightsSetting: Onsite, PreK-12, 1:1, 2:1, and classroom support in special education and general education settingsProgram: Year-round, in session 4 days per weekSites: Possible support at 1-3 school sitesStart date: Mid-November, ongoingEmployment type: W-2Location: Shared with candidates during the application processWhat You'll DoProvide 1:1 or 2:1 student support throughout the program 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 program teamSupport student participation in classroom instruction and program 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 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 equivalentAt least 1 year of classroom special education experienceReliable transportationComfort with and ability to provide personal care, including toileting and diaperingAbility to complete required background checks and clearances, including a criminal record check, child abuse clearance, FBI fingerprint-based background check, employment history review, and TB skin test (within the last 3 months)Completion of child abuse recognition and reporting (mandated reporter) trainingCPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to become certified within 3 months of starting at your own expense (not reimbursable)Ability to follow health, safety, and student support proceduresStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAuthorization 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 special education and general education settingsAdjusting your caseload or school site (1-3 sites) based on program needsWorking fully onsite and in personPreferred QualificationsExperience 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 needsCurrent CPR 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 participationEnjoy a four-day work week, with Fridays offGain hands-on experience in special education and student supportBuild experience for careers in education, psychology, healthcare, nursing, social work, ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapyWork in a year-round program with steady, ongoing hoursWork alongside teachers, therapists, and school professionalsWhy You'll Love Working With UsCompetitive pay of $20-$23 per hourHealth and wellness benefits[Medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k) for eligible employees, confirm part-time eligibility]Professional 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 attentive to student needs. They build trusting relationships with students and program teams, provide respectful and consistent personal care, keep students safe, promote independence and inclusion, and help students take part in academic, social, and daily activities.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 classroom special education experience and confirm your reliable transportation when you apply. Selected candidates will complete a virtual interview with the program.
Step Into a Rewarding Career with The Stepping Stones Group!Are you passionate about helping students overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and build confidence in the classroom? Do you want a career where every day provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference? If so, we'd love to meet you.The Stepping Stones Group is seeking dedicated Special Education Teachers to join our team in Reading, PA. This is a full-time opportunity to work alongside a supportive team while making a lasting impact on the lives of students and families.Qualifications:Master's degree in Special Education from an accredited institutionValid Special Education teaching license or certification in PennsylvaniaExperience working with students in a school setting, particularly those with special needs, preferredWhy Choose The Stepping Stones Group?Empower Students by helping them achieve their full potential through individualized instruction, encouragement, and supportSupport & Growth through collaboration, mentorship, and opportunities for continued professional developmentWhat We Offer:Competitive Pay, Comprehensive Benefits, and Health & Wellness Stipends that support your life both inside and outside of workRelocation Assistance available for professionals seeking new opportunitiesSpread Pay Plan providing consistent income throughout the yearProfessional Development Stipends to support continuing education and career advancement401(k) Retirement Plan to help you build a secure financial futureOnline Resources including webinars, instructional strategies, educational resources, and continuing education opportunitiesTravel Opportunities available for professionals interested in exploring new locationsReferral Program rewarding you for connecting talented professionals with our teamA workplace where you are supported, respected, and encouraged to do your best work every dayAt The Stepping Stones Group, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our mission is to create meaningful educational experiences that help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while providing our educators with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to excel.Ready to make an impact? Join The Stepping Stones Group today and help us build brighter futures, one student at a time.
Make a Difference Every Day, Join Our Team as a School Social Worker!Do you believe in the power of guidance, encouragement, and support? Are you ready to help students overcome challenges, build resilience, and reach their full potential? The Stepping Stones Group is looking for a passionate Social Worker to join our team in Reading, PA!Qualifications:Master's degree from an accredited Social Work programPA SSW Certification (PDE)/SSW Licensure required3-5 years working within an educational setting with a focus on social-emotional behavioral supports (preferred)Why Join Us?Part-Time, School-Based Stability providing the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and educatorsCompetitive Pay, Comprehensive Benefits, and Health & Wellness Stipends that support your life both inside and outside of workRelocation Assistance available for professionals seeking new opportunitiesProfessional Development Stipends to support continuing education and career advancementExclusive Resources & Free CEUs designed to support your ongoing professional growthSupportive and Collaborative Environment where your contributions are valued and your success is a priority401(k) Retirement Plan to help build a secure financial futureReferral Program rewarding you for helping exceptional professionals join our teamWhat You'll Do:Provide counseling, support, and intervention services to studentsCollaborate with families, teachers, administrators, and multidisciplinary teamsSupport students' social-emotional well-being and academic successAssist with crisis intervention, behavioral planning, and community resource coordinationMaintain accurate documentation and participate in IEP and student support meetings as neededAt The Stepping Stones Group, we believe every student deserves the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to empowering our professionals with the resources, leadership, and opportunities they need to make a lasting impact.More Than a Job, A Mission! When you join our team, you become part of an organization dedicated to putting children first and transforming lives one step at a time.Apply today and become part of something bigger!