Our Guiding Principles Are Integrity, Inclusion & Self Determination

PA Connecting Communities has a large number of opportunities for dedicated individuals with a deep desire to help those in our community who are intellectually challenged or suffering from autism.   We value our employees as members of our PACC family. Join our family & give your time to help others smile.

We are proudly, a 2022 Post-Gazette Top Workplace Award Winner!

Pittsburg Post-Gazette Top Workplace 2022

Habilitation Specialist
FT & PT positions open in Allegheny, Butler, Beaver & Westmoreland 
Flexible Schedules, Competitive Pay Rates, & Benefit Opportunities available

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PA Connecting Communities is seeking compassionate and caring Habilitation Specialists to assist individuals having intellectual disabilities with their daily living skills and social outings to enrich the quality of their lives. The Habilitation Specialist works individually or with a small group to develop skills as identified in the individual’s ISP. PA Connecting Communities offers a wide and varied calendar of day programming and community-based activities to assist the individual in skill acquisition and to cultivate their natural supports. Be part of our innovative and growing team, start a fun and rewarding career as a Habilitation Specialist! The mission of PA Connecting Communities is Empowering individuals with special needs and/or needing accommodations, with information and opportunities to improve their quality of life. PACC accomplishes this by developing social programs to develop friendships, promoting the arts, participating in community programs, promoting inclusion, and developing competitive employment opportunities. The vision of PA Connecting Communities is to create social change through this mission by providing, vocational (on the job) training programs, programs that focus on social/cultural activities, recreational/ fitness opportunities, and remedial/academic classes to the disability community. PACC follows the principle of “Everyday Lives”.

The ideal candidate:

It is preferred that the Habilitation Specialist has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field (equivalent education and experience) plus experience in adult education, mental health or Intellectual Disabilities service system.

Applicants must:

  • The Habilitation Specialist must be 18 years or older.
  • The Habilitation Specialist must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • The Habilitation Specialist must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle available for daily use to take individuals out into the community for daily skill development.
  • The Habilitation Specialist must be able to pass a Criminal Background check and Child Abuse Clearances.
  • Full-Time applicants must have flexible schedules, including some evening and weekend availability.
  • Flexible part-time positions are available days, evening and weekends.

 

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Transition Specialist (School to Adult)
Full-Time and Part-Time positions in Baldwin, Bethel Park, Gibsonia & Butler 

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Requirements:

  • Minimum of three (3) years of recent successful teaching experience at the secondary level
  • Background in special education and transition practices at the secondary level
  • Possess a valid state driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Thorough understanding of IDEA and transition planning for students with disabilities
  • Thorough knowledge of community-based programs, school-to-work programs and agency linkages
  • Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, educators, administrators, employers and agency representatives
  • Possess outstanding organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to provide leadership for teachers in transition-related issues
  • Ability to provide professional learning related to transition
  • Possess a positive attitude
  • Ability to listen, communicate and work well with a diversity of groups and individuals

Job Goal: Plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate transition education and services at the school in conjunction with other educators, families, students, agency representatives, and other community members. Performance Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with Secondary Special Education Coordinator as needed
  • Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation school dedicated counselor to coordinate services
  • Collaborate with Project SEARCH coordinator to sustain and expand the program.
  • Collaborate with the Parent Mentor to provide learning opportunities for parents.
  • Collaborate with Interagency Transition Council to sustain community supports for families.
  • Provide transition training for all middle and high school special education teachers.
  • Develop a plan for transition assessment implementation.
  • Provide transition-related information to families.
  • Assist families in the Medicaid waiver application process.
  • Assessment and Career Counseling.
  • Identify and refer students for vocational assessment.
  • Coordinate the development of career awareness and explore activities as part of the career counseling process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Is responsible for the coordination of transition activities within a team comprised of the student, parent/guardian, educators, and service Providers, to ensure that transition activities and services are addressed and implemented.
  • Facilitates transition programming (administers career skill and interest inventories, Conducts career exploration activities, and provides vocational programming) for students who are eligible for special education services.
  • Established transition goals and objectives.
  • Acts as a liaison with local Transition Coordinating Council.
  • Works closely with High School and Middle School Administrators, teachers, and Guidance counselors to facilitate transition programming.
  • Networks with all appropriate community agencies and organizations.
  • Attends IEP meetings in the role of Transition Coordinator.
  • Ensures that the IEP team develops and implements the transition outcomes if requested Instructional areas and services needed for students with disabilities.
  • Works closely with special education teachers and students to meet transition needs.
  • Coordinates school and community work-based learning opportunities.
  • Identifies job placements.
  • Monitors student job performance based on student need as designated in the IEP.
  • Coordinates the teaching of daily living skills.
  • Develops and maintains a working relationship with businesses, agencies, and
  • Organizations which provide post-secondary services for students with disabilities.
  • Communicates with parents, students, staff, community/adult service providers and Agencies about issues related to the successful transition of special education Middle and High School students, ages 14-21, into post-secondary adult life.
  • Serves as a resource to families, parents, and students in accessing transition services as well as providing information about transition topics.
  • Keeps records of appropriate documentation during the transition process.
  • Works with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and guidance counselors to assist parents and students with the post-secondary enrollment process as requested.

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Employment Specialist
FT and PT positions open in North Hills and South Hills
Flexible Schedules, Competitive Pay Rates, & Benefit Opportunities available.

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PA Connecting Communities is Now Hiring for the position of Employment Specialist! PA Connecting Communities is a qualified provider offering services to meet the diverse needs of individuals with a variety of disabilities including intellectual disabilities and autism. In addition, The Employment Specialist will work with school districts, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, veterans, and other individuals referred for career development. We are currently hiring highly qualified individuals to work in our Vocational and Transition programs.

The mission of PA Connecting Communities is Empowering individuals with special needs and/or needing accommodations, with information and opportunities to improve their quality of life. PACC accomplishes this by developing social programs to develop friendships, promoting the arts, participating in community programs, promoting inclusion, and developing competitive employment opportunities. The vision of PA Connecting Communities is to create social change through this mission by providing, vocational (on the job) training programs, programs that focus on social/cultural activities, recreational/ fitness opportunities, and remedial/academic classes to the disability community. PACC follows the principle of “Everyday Lives”.

The ideal candidate:

It is preferred that the Employment Specialist has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work or a related field. Experience in adult education, mental health or Intellectual Disabilities is beneficial. Must have ACRE certification or a minimum of 2 years’ workforce development experience. A minimum of 4 years’ experience working with intellectually disabled adults is preferred. 

Applicants must:

  • Work closely with individuals to identify vocational interests, create resumes, search for jobs, learn job tasks, conduct mock interviews, and apply for jobs.
  • Teach individuals the proper way to work in a variety of job settings to be able to maintain their employment.
  • Identify and secure volunteer placements for assessments.
  • Collaborate with the persons team, including participation in the annual ISP meetings when applicable.
  • Submit timely and accurate documentation according to company policy.
  • Have flexible schedule – mornings, afternoon and evenings, possible occasional weekends. Schedule will reflect your clients’ work schedules.
  • Have excellent written and verbal skills.
  • Be computer literate.
  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Have a minimum of a high school diploma.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and vehicle available for daily use.
  • Must be able to pass Criminal Background Check, FBI and Child Abuse Clearances.

Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience and education.

Job Type: Full-time and Part-time

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • Daytime including some evening and weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

  • Signing bonus

COVID-19 considerations:

PPE provided, risk mitigation strategy in place.

License/Certification:

  • Driver’s License (Required)

Work Location: On the road.

Apply Now!

Direct Support Professional

Flexible Schedules, Competitive Pay Rates, & Benefit Opportunities available
FT & PT positions open in Baldwin / Whitehall
Now hiring Weekend Shifts – daylight/evening (Saturday & Sunday) and overnight (Friday & Saturday)

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PA Connecting Communities is seeking compassionate and caring Direct Support Professionals to assist individuals having intellectual disabilities. Be part of our innovative and growing team, start a fun and rewarding career!

The mission of PA Connecting Communities is Empowering individuals with special needs and/or needing accommodations, with information and opportunities to improve their quality of life. PACC accomplishes this by developing social programs to develop friendships, promoting the arts, participating in community programs, promoting inclusion, and developing competitive employment opportunities. The vision of PA Connecting Communities is to create social change through this mission by providing, vocational (on the job) training programs, programs that focus on social/cultural activities, recreational/ fitness opportunities, and remedial/academic classes to the disability community. PACC follows the principle of “Everyday Lives”.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) will be responsible for assisting individuals with their activities of daily living in a residential home setting. Duties include, but are not limited to assisting each person with:

  • Supporting individuals in working toward their goals
  • Personal hygiene needs, including bathing and toileting
  • Medical appointments
  • Administering prescribed medications
  • Meal preparation, cooking and following prescribed diet
  • Household chores such as laundry, vacuuming and dusting
  • Participating in community life such as shopping, leisure activities and visiting family and friends
  • Providing supervision to assure safety and welfare
  • Assisting individuals in living everyday lives including things that the individual determines are important

Applicants must: · Be 18 years or older · Have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent · Have a valid driver’s license · Have reliable vehicle or means of transportation · Be able to lift and transfer · Be able to pass Criminal Background check, Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI check. · Be able to pass pre-employment physical and TB test

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Transition Specialist (School to Adult)

Flexible Schedules, Competitive Pay Rates, & Benefit Opportunities available
FT or PT position open in the Allison Park area


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PA Connecting Communities is seeking compassionate and caring Transition Specialists to assist students having intellectual disabilities with their daily living, social and independent living skills to enrich the quality of their lives. The Transition Specialist works individually in the school and community to develop skills as identified in the student’s IEP.

The ideal candidate:

It is preferred that the Transition Specialist has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field (equivalent education and experience) plus experience in adult education, mental health or Intellectual Disabilities service system. An Associate’s Degree and at least 5 years of direct experience in a management level/supervisory role in Transition services will be considered.

It is preferred that the Transition Specialist Minimum of three (3) years of recent successful teaching experience at the secondary level and has a background in special education and transition practices at the secondary level.

Applicants must:

  • · The Transition Specialist must be 18 years or older
  • · The Transition Specialist must have earned a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
  • · The Transition Specialist must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle available for daily use to take individuals out into the community for daily skill development
  • · The Transition Specialist must maintain current vehicle registration, insurance and inspection
  • · The Transition Specialist must be able to pass PA Criminal, Child Abuse, and FBI background checks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • · Thorough understanding of IDEA and transition planning for students with disabilities, particularly with I/D and Autism
  • · Familiarity with community-based programs, school-to-work programs and agency linkages
  • · Must collaborate with Transition Team to Develop student specific curriculum and goals
  • · Identify and secure community-based locations for services
  • · Monitor, assess, and adapt transition plan as needed
  • · Possess outstanding organizational and communication skills
  • · Ability to listen, communicate and work well with diverse groups and individuals
  • · Communicates with parents, students, staff, community/adult service providers and Agencies about issues related to the successful transition of special education Middle and High School students, ages 14-21, into post-secondary adult life.

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Benefits:

  • · Dental insurance
  • · Employee assistance program
  • · Health insurance
  • · Life insurance
  • · Paid time off
  • · Referral program
  • · Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • · Day shift
  • · Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

  • · Signing bonus

COVID-19 considerations:

PPE provided, risk mitigation plan in effect

License/Certification:

  • · Driver’s License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Apply Now!