Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

As a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) at The Stepping Stones Group, your primary responsibilities will involve providing direct support to students in schools, helping them manage their daily activities, and assisting with behavioral challenges. You'll collaborate closely with teachers and other educational staff to create a positive learning environment. Additionally, you will document student progress and communicate any concerns with supervising staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children.

To be considered for the Personal Care Assistant position at The Stepping Stones Group, you must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. It's also essential to have a CPR and First Aid certification, along with behavioral experience. While school experience is not mandatory, it is preferred as it enhances your ability to connect with students and understand their individual needs.

Working as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) at The Stepping Stones Group comes with a robust benefits package, including full-time, school-based employment for the 2024-2025 school year, professional development stipends, a health & wellness stipend, and access to online resources. Additionally, we offer a 401(k) plan to secure your financial future and student loan repayment assistance, ensuring a supportive environment for your professional journey.

While prior behavioral experience is required for the PCA position at The Stepping Stones Group, school experience is preferred but not strictly mandatory. Having behavioral experience equips you with the skills needed to interact effectively with students facing challenges, which greatly enhances your ability to contribute positively in the school environment.

The Stepping Stones Group is dedicated to the success and well-being of our Personal Care Assistants. We provide comprehensive support that includes mentorship from clinical leaders, access to professional development resources, and ongoing training opportunities. Our commitment extends to offering travel positions with relocation assistance and helping with task tracking to ease your transition into the new role.

In answering this question, express your passion for supporting children's education and well-being. You might mention specific experiences that have inspired you to work in this field and how The Stepping Stones Group's mission aligns with your personal values.

For this question, emphasize your understanding of individualized approaches to behavioral management. Discuss strategies you've utilized, such as positive reinforcement, and your willingness to collaborate with teachers to create effective support plans.

Provide concrete examples of your past role(s) involving children, focusing on relevant experiences such as internships, volunteer work, or any formal employment as it pertains to educational support. Highlight what you learned from these experiences.

In your response, mention core skills like communication, patience, adaptability, and empathy. Explain how these skills enhance your effectiveness as a PCA and contribute to a positive environment for students.

Describe an approach that involves patience and trying different techniques to engage the student. Discuss the importance of teamwork with teachers and specialists in developing alternative strategies.

Talk about your self-care strategies and support network, whether personal or professional. Emphasize the importance of connecting with colleagues and utilizing available resources offered by The Stepping Stones Group.

Demonstrate your knowledge of The Stepping Stones Group’s commitment to transforming the lives of children and supporting their educational journeys, explaining how this mission resonates with your own aspirations and values.

Provide examples of individualized support strategies you would implement, showcasing your understanding of each child’s unique requirements in a respectful and encouraging manner.

Discuss techniques such as active listening, respectful communication, and creating a safe learning environment that fosters trust and connection with students.

This is a great opportunity to express your commitment to professional growth within the education sector. Share your aspirations for additional training and how you wish to serve as an advocate for children's needs, potentially exploring leadership or specialized roles in the future.