About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will make valuable contributions to the success of autistic and neurodivergent children in our education program. You will provide a therapeutically-appropriate level of supervision and training, attending to the educational, physical, social, and emotional needs of students to support their learning, growth, and discovery. You will collaborate with the team to create a comfortable, inclusive, and sensory-friendly classroom setting, supporting academic and personal development for children.
Responsibilities
- Attend to the educational, physical, social, and emotional needs of students while assisting the classroom teacher in the implementation of IEP goals.
- Follow a classroom schedule, ensuring individual student IEP goals are implemented and that appropriate therapy carryover is accomplished within the structured educational environment.
- Assist in envisioning, organizing, and arranging the classroom to create a comfortable, safe, healthy, engaging learning atmosphere.
- Provide support in the classroom according to staffing patterns and the needs of students, conducting individual and group activities according to the established curriculum.
- Escort and assist students to and from school buses, providing opportunities for increased independence when appropriate.
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and job skills training experiences.
- Adhere to all agency policies and procedures, and demonstrate continuous regard for student safety, personal safety, and the safety of others.
- Collaborate and communicate with the classroom teacher and other support professionals to optimize student learning and ensure alignment.
- Complete all required data and documentation forms related to student learning and health.
- Model communication, social, and interpersonal skills for students, and deliver positive feedback to reinforce student progress.
- Help create a culture of unconditional positive regard for each student, maximizing strengths while effectively navigating challenges to optimize student learning success and confidence.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one year's experience working with the developmentally disabled population.
- New York State Certified Teaching Assistant designation (consideration given to applicants starting the certification process within 3 months of hire).
- Maintain qualifications in the agency's crisis intervention procedure.
- Capable of initiating or assisting in all components of the agency's crisis intervention.
- Capable of assisting occupants in the orderly evacuation of the facility in the event of fire or other emergency.
- Completion of agency orientation and training.
- Fulfill all mandated reporting requirements, ensure compliance with agency policies, and adhere to organizational protocols.
Skills
- Positive, team-oriented spirit
- Strong desire to support learning and development for youth with autism and other neurodiversities
- Dependability
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Patience
- Adaptability
- Perseverance
- Genuine belief that all students have enormous potential
- Strong communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong collaborative skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong observational skills
- Strong teaching skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Willingness to learn (or existing understanding of) evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis practices
- Willingness to learn (or existing understanding of) neurodiversity-affirming frameworks
- Willingness to learn (or existing understanding of) sensory sensitivities
Location
- New York
Work Type
- Full-time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- Entry Level
Education Level
- High school diploma or equivalent
Salary/Compensations
- $18.25 - $22.50 Hourly
Benefits
- Follows Academic Calendar (Winter & Spring Break, school holidays, etc.)
- Paid Recess Days
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and annual contribution
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Wellness program
- Ongoing professional development
- Discounted tuition at select colleges/universities
- Scholarship program for those seeking educational experiences aligned with the role (*restrictions apply)
- Invitations to staff appreciation events and experiences
- Robust benefits
- Generous time off
- Retirement plans with employer contributions
- Access to scholarships and ongoing learning experiences
- Clearly defined career pathways
About the Company
- Anderson Center for Autism is an award-winning, evidence-based organization founded over 100 years ago (in 1924).
- We offer educational, vocational, residential, clinical, and consulting/training programs.
- Our mission is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
- We work to cultivate a broader culture of acceptance in society.
- We are known for our legacy of compassion throughout the country and around the world.
- We provide a supportive, friendly work environment that values ideas and insights, offers rewarding mentorship, and opens doors to new professional opportunities.
Equal Opportunity
- Our organization is committed to providing a diverse workforce by ensuring that discrimination barriers to equal employment opportunity and upward mobility do not exist.
- Equal opportunity means employment, development, and promotion of individuals without consideration of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement which excludes a person in one of these protected groups.
- Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- EOE
