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Amergis

School Aide

Career Insights for Mental Health Assistant

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What they do

A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.

$37,936 / year median in Pennsylvania

+4% projected growth

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Job Description

  • Position Summary
  • A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) in Pittsburgh Public Schools provides direct support to students with special needs, helping them access the educational environment safely and effectively. PCAs assist with daily living activities, mobility, behavior support, and classroom participation under the direction of teachers and special education staff.
  • Key Responsibilities
  • 1. Assist students with
  • personal care needs
  • , including toileting, hygiene, feeding, and dressing 2. Support
  • mobility and physical needs
  • , including lifting, transferring, and positioning students safely 3. Help students
  • participate in classroom activities
  • and follow instructional guidance 4. Provide
  • behavioral support
  • using positive reinforcement and intervention strategies 5. Assist with
  • communication needs
  • , including working with students who use alternative communication methods 6. Monitor student behavior and
  • report changes or concerns
  • to teachers or supervisors 7. Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for students 8. Accompany students to
  • special classes, lunch, recess, and transportation
  • 9. Follow
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • and safety plans
  • Qualifications
  • 1.
High school diploma or GED required 2. Minimum of 12 months recent experience 3. Prior school-based experience preferred 4. Experience supporting individuals with developmental, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, physical, sensory, and/or multiple disabilities 5. Experience supporting individuals with communication needs, including nonverbal communication or AAC systems preferred 6. Experience implementing support plans and promoting independence 7. Experience with behavior support strategies and de-escalation techniques preferred
  • Professionalism Expectations
  • 1.
Reliable attendance and punctuality aligned with the PPS/Approved Private Schools calendar and assigned schedule. 2. Willingness to accept short-notice assignment changes, including school, student, and schedule adjustments. 3. Professional conduct, confidentiality, and effective communication. 4. Adherence to school-based communication protocols (no direct communication with families or sharing personal contact information). 5. Ability to complete accurate daily documentation (service logs and other required records).
  • Benefits
  • At Amergis, we firmly believe that our employees are the heartbeat of our organization and we are happy to offer the following benefits: + Competitive pay & weekly paychecks + Health, dental, vision, and life insurance + 401(k) savings plan + Awards and recognition programs
  • Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status.
  • About Amergis
  • Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has served our clients and communities by connecting people to the work that matters since 1988.
We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of healthcare and school-based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions. Amergis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • Job Category:
  • Education
  • Job Function:
  • Education | School Aide | School Aide School
  • Job Type:
  • Contract - Part Time
  • Setting:
  • Schools
  • Position Type:
  • Healthcare
  • Office Number:
  • 0756
  • Contract Duration:
  • 41 •
Pay Rate:
  • $640 / Week
  • Date Posted:
  • 2026-08-12T16:09:28