Teaching Assistant (Cougar Mountain)

The Teaching Assistant will be responsible for supporting the teacher who is teaching students who may demonstrate academic, behavioral, and/or social deficits. Teaching all academic subjects and life skills, modifying when necessary to meet the individual needs of students. 

Duties and responsibilities 

• Support the teacher in utilizing appropriate methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Collaborative Problem Solving, or other effective strategies that prioritize the student’s needs. 
• Create a positive, authentic learning environment by displaying student work and projects. 
• Maintain a consistent and safe classroom environment for students. 
• Assist the teacher in planning and executing lessons tailored to individual student needs and appropriate group lessons. 
• Modify materials as needed to ensure effective student learning. 
• Keep accurate student records, including relevant information in each student's binder and writing annual reports as per guidelines. 
• Implement and support Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for each student. 
• Administer assessments to track student progress and identify areas of concern. 
• Collaborate with professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and others to support a team-based approach. 
• Promote student health, safety, and social interaction with peers. 
• Participate in required training, team meetings, community activities, and school events. 
• Communicate regularly with supervisors regarding classroom dynamics and student development. 
• Complete daily attendance reports and supervise students during bathroom and mealtime activities, including cleaning and assisting with hygiene tasks. 
• Support the overall classroom environment by ensuring cleanliness, including sweeping floors and cleaning counters, shelves, refrigerators, and microwaves. 
• Attend all required staff meetings, workshops, and open houses. 
• Assign staff to students each morning and check daily data collection each afternoon.  
• Other, as assigned by administration. 

Qualifications 

• Associate’s degree preferred 
• Prior experience as a Teaching Assistant is required 
• Teaching Assistant Skills Test (ATAS) a plus
• Experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum preferred 

Working conditions 

• Location: Issaquah (Cougar Mountain), Washington
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM 
• Occasional before- and after-school work hours at the discretion of the administrative staff. 
• School/classroom setting. 

Physical requirements 

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures. 
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits for Full Time Employees

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth. 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development