Educational Assistant: Sub-Separate/Social Emotional Behavioral Classroom

Background on Southbridge Public Schools:

Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is presently undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This creates unique opportunities for teachers and students. One example is a recently announced, long-term partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop Southbridge Schools to be a national demonstration site for successful implementation of PBIS strategies. Additionally, our district is the recipient of a number of significant grants that are allowing us to creatively redesign Secondary School, curriculum enhancements, improved culture and climate and afterschool opportunities for students. If you feel strongly about improving the educational experience for students and have a commitment to social justice, Southbridge Public Schools welcomes you.

More information about the district’s turnaround efforts can be found here.

Background on "Connect" Program (Social Emotional/Behavioral): "Connect" is a highly structured therapeutic program for students who experience behavioral difficulties due to mental health disorders. The program utilizes a flexible inclusion model that is designed to provide students with academic instruction while addressing their significant emotional and behavioral needs. Students receive individualized treatment, including behavioral interventions to help them experience a sense of success and belonging in the school. The goal of the program is to create a therapeutic environment within the public school setting by promoting self-governance and progressive levels of responsibilities. An adjustment counselor works together with program staff, parents, and with students to improve their behavioral and emotional functioning within the school setting. Services include restorative justice practices, group counseling, individual counseling, and crisis counseling as needed. In addition, the "Connect" team is committed to collaborating with families and other community agencies in order to provide a consistent approach to helping students with mental health issues.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the classroom teacher in helping mentally disadvantaged students learn skills that will broaden their learning experiences and contribute to their development in order to set high expectations and to assist in creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning for all students
• Ensure the safety of students
• Maintain the strictest confidence concerning personnel, students and operational concerns of the district
• Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
• Report all cases of suspected child abuse to appropriate school personnel and proper government authority
• Assist students needs both individually and in small groups
• Collaborate with classroom teacher about students’ needs and requirements including IEP goals
• Assist students with classwork
• Assist with recess, supervision, restroom breaks, emergency drills, assemblies, field trips, etc.
• Act as expert classroom support to substitute in absence of teacher
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
• Attend meetings and in-services as required

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a role model for students and staff
• Prepare materials for class projects
• Respond to questions and requests in an appropriate and timely manner
• Maintain a level of approachability by administration and staff
• Perform other duties as assigned by classroom teacher and/or Principal

Qualifications/Certificates:

• High School Diploma
• Associate’s degree preferred
• Experience with behaviorially challenged students: RBT certified preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills
• Ability to work effectively with others
• Organizational and problem solving skills

Additional Working Conditions:

• Interaction among children
• Repetitive hand motion, e.g., computer keyboard, typing, calculator, writing
• Regular requirement to sit, stand, walk, read, hear, see, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb and stoop
• Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push and/or pulling various supplies and/or equipment up to a maximum of 20 pounds
• Requirement to assist in the restraint, movement or other emergency weight bearing assistance of students

Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions set by the Southbridge Public Schools.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southbridge Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, age, or sexual orientation.