Special Education Program Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Special Education Program Assistant

(Classroom Paraprofessional & Administrative Support)

The Hope Centers is seeking a compassionate, hands-on professional to support students with special needs at Hope Academy.

This is primarily a classroom-based role.
The majority of your time will be spent working directly with students as a paraprofessional, with additional administrative support responsibilities for the Special Education Department.

What You’ll DoClassroom Support (Primary Responsibility)

• Serve as a classroom paraprofessional supporting students with special needs

• Assist with implementation of IEP goals and behavior plans

• Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support

• Support classroom management, routines, and transitions

• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and multidisciplinary team members

Special Education & Administrative Support

• Assist with student intake and communication with families

• Support coordination with parents, school districts, and service providers

• Help maintain compliant student records and documentation

• Assist with assessment logistics and IEP processes

• Provide general clerical support (filing, scanning, data entry, etc.)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Experience working with individuals with developmental delays

• Classroom or paraprofessional experience preferred

• Experience in an educational or Special Education setting preferred

• Knowledge of Special Education Law (plus)

• Experience with IEP Writer (plus)

• PA Teaching or Special Education Certification (preferred)

Clearances & Training Required

• Act 33 PA Child Abuse History Clearance

• Act 34 PA State Criminal History Clearance

• Act 114 FBI Clearance issued by the Dept of Education

• Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

• Act 168 from Previous Employers where you came into contact with children

• CPR/First Aid

• TB/Physical

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Pay Rate

• Health Insurance - With employer contribution

• Dental and Vision Insurance - 100% by employer paid for employee

• Paid Time Off

• Retirement Investment Savings Plan

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Discount Market

The Hope Centers value and respect the full range of social and cultural characteristics and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, financial ability, marital status, parenthood, disability, ethnic background, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status or on any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. Employment at Hope Centers is strictly based upon qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hope Center is committed to maintaining fair and equitable employment practices in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. All employment policies, procedures, and practices shall be designed to ensure equal opportunity, prohibit discrimination and retaliation, and promote an inclusive workplace.

Policy Statement

The Hope Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. Employment decisions will be based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs, consistent with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Protected Characteristics

No person shall be discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against on the basis of:

Race (including hair type, hair texture, or hair style)

Color

Religious creed (including observance, practice and belief)

Disability (physical, intellectual, developmental, or mental health)

Ancestry or national origin

Age (40 and over)

Sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation

Genetic information

Veteran or military status

Familial or martial status

Or any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

Recruitment, hiring, and job advertisements

Assignments, classifications, and promotions

Compensation, benefits, and training

Transfers, discipline, and termination

Discipline and termination

Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship

Protection for retaliation for good-faith reports or participation in investigations

Enforcement & Reporting

Managers, supervisors, and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy. Any person who believes that have been subject to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should report the matter through established grievance or HR reporting process. The Hope Center shall investigate promptly and take appropriate corrective action. No individual will be retaliated against for making a good-faith complaint or participating in an investigation.