26-27 SY: Elementary School Personal Care Aide (K-5)

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Position Type: Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year

About Esperanza Academy

Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our strong track record of academic excellence and impact within our community makes us stand out. The Academy has 11th-grade test scores above the city of Philadelphia average and value-added math and reading proficiency growth among the highest in Pennsylvania. Students graduate at a rate exceeding 90% and drop out at only 1%. For 9 out of 11 years, the Academy has been awarded a silver or bronze medal rating in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of Best High Schools in the country.

In the fall of 2025, we opened a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K–12 program serving over 2,200 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city.

The Opportunity

Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS) is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and detail-oriented Personal Care Aide to join our Student Support Services team at the elementary level. In this critical role, you will support students with significant physical, medical, and/or communication needs to ensure full access to learning and participation in school life.

The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and passionate about working with students who require individualized support. As a Personal Care Aide, you will provide direct assistance with daily living tasks, mobility, behavior plans, and specialized equipment, all in alignment with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). You will also serve as a key collaborator alongside special education teachers, therapists, and nurses to ensure that each child’s unique needs are met.

This is a high-impact opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a student’s life by ensuring they can participate fully in school in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.  

We are committed to supporting and developing our staff through meaningful professional growth opportunities, ongoing collaboration, and a culture that values innovation and continuous learning.

This full-time position for the 2026–2027 school year offers a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven school community that is passionate about equipping every student for academic success and lifelong achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students with daily living activities such as toileting, dressing, eating, and hygiene.
• Assist with mobility and safe transitions throughout the school using assistive equipment.
• Operate and monitor specialized medical and communication equipment under supervision.
• Implement behavior support strategies as outlined in IEPs and behavior plans.
• Facilitate communication using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools.
• Provide classroom assistance to promote student engagement and participation.
• Monitor and document student progress in areas such as behavior, communication, and daily functioning.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, nurses, and support staff to ensure consistent care.

What You Will Bring

• A deep belief in Esperanza Academy’s mission and a belief in the transformative power of learning.
• A high school diploma or GED is required; additional training in health-related services, paraprofessional work, or special education is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with students with disabilities, particularly those with medical or behavioral support needs, is preferred.
• Ability to lift and assist students with mobility or personal care needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism at all times.
• Willingness to undergo training on behavior supports, medical protocols, and communication devices.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
• Clearances: All applicants must have current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks conducted within the last 12 months.



Follow Us: To learn more about Esperanza Academy, please visit our website at https://www.esperanzaacademycs.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Why Work With Us?

✔ Mission-Driven Impact – Be part of a team dedicated to educational equity and building an "opportunity community" in Hunting Park.

✔ Competitive Compensation – We value your expertise and commitment to student success, offering a competitive salary that reflects your impact.

✔ Comprehensive Benefits from Day One – Enjoy health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance, along with retirement benefits, starting on your first day for complete peace of mind.

✔ Work-Life Balance – Take advantage of paid time off and school holidays, ensuring you have time to recharge and return inspired.

✔ Tuition Assistance for Your Growth – Further your education with up to $8,000 in tuition reimbursement, available after six months, as long as funds are available.

✔ Pathways for Career Advancement – Benefit from mentorship, coaching, and professional development designed to help you sharpen your skills and grow within our school community.