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 Do
Classroom 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.