Teaching Assistant

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Instructional Aide II to perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

As an Instructional Aide II, you will provide individualized supervision and instruction to assigned students and additional support to the core classroom staff. Working with student(s) to implement their Individualized Education Programs (IEP), you will utilize group and individual instruction in the classroom and community.

Responsibilities:

• Implementing curriculum, including all on-site and community-based instruction, and behavioral intervention strategies consistent with the letter and intent of the IEP/ITP/PBIP to meet each student's goals and objectives.
• Consulting with supervisor on the progress of students and the implementation of the IEP/ITP/PBIP, and assisting in transition plans for integrating the student back to a public school placement (mainstreaming/inclusion) or to an adult program. Writing progress reports, developing and modifying data sheets, and developing curriculum.
• Following the classroom schedule which addresses each student's IEP/ITP goals, including community and vocational goals, group instruction, any designated instructional services (DIS), and/or schedule revisions.
• Completing accurate and timely documentation on student's behavior as outlined by school procedures; reporting observations to relevant staff and making recommendations based on observations. Assisting in preparation of other behavioral reports and daily activities log as required, and maintaining confidentiality of student information and records at all times.
• Participating in the data collection process by collecting, recording, and maintaining data required by student programs, classroom records, and data computer systems as assigned by supervisor; and providing input for the development of Functional Analyses of Behavior and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Performing job coaching duties as assigned, by assisting in the training of students, on campus or at community job sites in appropriate work behavior and specific employment skills. Keeping supervisor informed of issues regarding student's vocational skills and/or placement.
• Providing for the basic physical needs of students as needed (e.g., toileting and diapering, ensuring students receive their medications, assisting with feeding students, assisting with hygiene, etc.).
• Maintaining safety and security of the facility through close observation and monitoring of the students, maintaining optimal physical proximity, remaining alert at all times, and using analytical forethought to anticipate potentially volatile or unsafe situations to proactively intervene.
• Complying with all company policies/procedures and regulatory requirements, and reporting any known or suspected violations to his/her supervisor or through other means identified in company policy.
• Providing appropriate crisis intervention as necessary using the least restrictive method by anticipating and responding quickly to escalating behaviors, utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques to diffuse the situation, correctly prioritizing safety concerns, following proper physical restraint techniques, and displaying neutral emotions.
• Meeting school and regulatory training requirements by attending all mandatory meetings and training sessions as required.
• Assuring cleanliness and orderliness of the classroom by assisting in cleaning, filing, and preparing materials and proactively assisting in all security, maintenance, and safety functions as required for the overall facility.
• Participating as a team member and promoting a positive work environment by demonstrating cooperation, compromise, appropriate expression of opinion, and by treating others with consideration, courtesy, and respect.
• Assisting with other daily classroom functions and special assignments as directed; including, but not limited to, substitute teaching.
• Acting as the primary instructor, supervisor, and mentor to students and staff when the teacher is absent, including credential communication coverage with families and management of classroom systems as needed.
• Providing classroom orientation for new staff per agency guidelines and as directed by the teacher.
• Assisting with the planning and preparation of educational materials and activities and maintaining individual student data binders and communication devices/books.
• Assisting the teacher in managing the classroom budget, records, and environment.
• Serving as an aide (also known as a