Location: Columbus, Ohio
Schedule: Available to work on an ON-Call, Emergency, Temporary, and/or Substitute/Auxiliary ONLY basis.
Position Type: On Call/Part-Time 1:1 Student Support
Position Summary
The Student Aide / 1:1 Support Aide provides direct support to PreK 12 students who are blind, deaf, autistic, medically delicate, or have multiple different abilities. This role works closely with teachers, school staff, and support teams to assist students with academic, vocational, independent living, transitional, behavioral, social, emotional, and personal care needs.
Candidates must be local to Columbus, Ohio and must have reliable transportation to be considered.
Essential Job Functions
The Student Aide / 1:1 Support Aide will be responsible for:
- Assisting PreK 12 blind and/or deaf students and teachers with programs focused on academics, vocational skills, independent living, transition planning, and social growth.
- Providing redirection and support when students experience difficulties or behavioral challenges.
- Supervising students during camps, classroom activities, playground time, restroom breaks, transitions, and other school-based activities.
- Assisting students on and off transportation vehicles safely.
- Escorting students to different areas of the school or campus.
- Supporting students during emergency situations.
- Assisting students with emotional, physical, medical, and personal care needs as appropriate.
- Supporting teachers, school staff, and students with other day-to-day tasks as needed.
- Maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for students at all times.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Qualified candidates must have:
- Valid driver's license.
- Reliable vehicle or dependable transportation.
- Fluency in American Sign Language, ASL, required.
- Availability to work overtime, extra shifts, summer camps (as applicable) and on call as needed.
- 1 3 years of experience as a Home Healthcare Aide, Classroom Student Aide, Paraprofessional, Direct Support Professional, or similar support role.
- Experience supporting students or individuals with physical, behavioral, developmental, emotional, or personal care needs.
- Ability to redirect students calmly and appropriately.
- Ability to follow PSI policies, school procedures, student support plans, safety protocols, and OSD staff direction.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a school environment.
- Ability to pass a federal background check and drug screen.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates may also have:
- Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with autistic students or students with multiple different abilities.
- CPI Certification or willingness to obtain certification.
- ABA certification or experience in applied behavioral analysis.
- Prior experience supporting blind, deaf, or medically fragile students.
- Prior experience working in a school, camp, residential, or healthcare support setting
Physical Requirements
This position may require the ability to ergonomically:
- Lift between 30 and 150 pounds, depending on student needs and assignment requirements.
- Push, pull, lift, transfer, guide, or physically assist students in a safe and ergonomic manner.
- Support students with mobility, navigation, positioning, and transitions.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout the school environment for extended periods.
- Respond quickly and safely during student care needs or emergency situations.
Education Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
- Fluency, certification, or formal training in American Sign Language, ASL, required or strongly preferred based on assignment needs.
- Additional certifications, training, or coursework related to student support, developmental different abilities, behavior support, ASL, or personal care are a plus.
Work Environment
This role is performed in a school-based environment and may include classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, restrooms, transportation areas, summer camps, and other student activity locations. The aide must be comfortable working directly with children and supporting students with diverse communication, behavioral, physical, and personal care needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
PSI is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.