TEACHER ASSISTANT - CERTIFIED (Sea Cliff, NY)

1. Specific Responsibilities:

• Always ensure the supervision of students and help to maintain a consistent engaging classroom routine.
• Be an active member of the classroom team, bringing program suggestions, ideas, concerns, etc. to the teacher’s attention.
• Follow the schedules and assignments as coordinated by the teacher.
• Assist in planning activities, prepping materials, and maintaining a clean orderly classroom environment.
• Model appropriate behavior for students and demonstrate positive work ethics and attitudes.
• Follow all student-specific plans such as BIPs and management strategies and document data.
• Assist students with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) throughout the school day (i.e. feeding, grooming, toileting).
• Implementing IEP goal programs and documenting data.
• Follow program initiatives such as PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and supports) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
• Accompany students on field trips, community experiences, and seasonal activities (i.e. Pool, playground).
• Drive agency vehicles for outings as appropriate (with valid NYS license and approval).
• Other duties as designated by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

2. Qualifications:

• High school Diploma
• Acceptable background clearance from NY State Central Registrar
• Experience working with the DD population preferred
• NYS Teacher Assistant Certification required.

3. Relationship with Others:

• Be a team player
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and students within our organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with children and families served.
• Ability to set limits and maintain a helping role within the school community and intervene appropriately.

4. Working Conditions:

• The work week is 35 hours. Monday to Friday as per school calendar.
• Hours are 8:15-3:15, can be subject to change within reasonable limit.
• Staff are expected to arrive on time for the school day and utilize UKG Pro software to punch in/out and manage their timecards.
• Frequent absences and tardiness will not be tolerated.
• School staff receive one 30-minute lunch break per day.
• Staff are expected to set-up and breakdown the classroom daily.
• Staff are expected to pick up their students upon arrival from RTC childcare team and drop off their students to their units to RTC child- care team.
•  Staff should always accompany students when traveling within the school building, campus, outside on grounds, and in the community.
•  In an emergency or crisis situation, staff may be required to accompany a student to the ER until adequate RTC staff arrive.
• Attendance and participation are required in all assigned trainings and meetings.
• Staff are REQUIRED to be certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and must attend TCI-DD refresher training every 6 months as a condition of employment.
• Staff are required to attend and complete all trainings as assigned as per regulation and job specific requirement (i.e. Mandated reporter training, HIPAA, Justice Center).
• Staff must obtain an annual physical and PPD as per requirement.
• Staff must adhere to SCO agency policies and procedures, (employee handbook) as well as program specific policies and procedures (TLC program manual/orientation manual).

5. Scope of Responsibility:

School staff are expected to:

• Relate to students, families, and colleagues in a friendly and cooperative manner. Treat everyone with respect and uphold dignity at all times.
• Welcome and assist new staff members in learning school wide and student specific programs/curriculum.
• Always focus on creating positive outcomes and have a clear understanding of the complex needs of the student population.
• Complete situation reports, restraint forms, accident/incident reports etc. as required in a timely manner.
• Maintain their professional development record per NYS certification requirements and attend all assigned trainings in LMS (Learning Management System).
• Follow guidelines for building security and parking regulations.
• Participate in fire drills and other emergency drills, ensuring student supervision and oversight at all times.
• Care for the equipment and supplies used by the students including securing electronic devices, keeping materials organized and stored appropriately, and recommending purchases of supplies as per purchasing and ordering procedures.

Teacher Assistant additional Perks: 

• 11 weeks of paid time off, covering major school holidays and additional observances such as Jewish holidays, Lunar New Year, and Juneteenth.
• 6-week summer program (July–August), followed by 2 weeks of paid time off before the new school year starts.
• 4 Staff Development Days when students are not in attendance.
• Health benefits through SCO Family of Services, including Aetna and VisionMed.