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) (or ability to take the TA exam)
- Experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum preferred
Working conditions
- Location: West Hempstead, NY
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM-3:30PM (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)
- 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