Teacher Assistant

Description

DEFINITION

The Teacher Assistant (TA) is responsible for implementing the individualized instructional program that guides and encourages students to develop language, academic and appropriate social and behavioral skills.  Teacher Assistants are responsible for the day to day implementation of academic lesson plans, individual and group supervision of assigned children, discrete trail training, social skill lessons, leisure activities,, activities scheduled, self-help skills, motor lab, sensory exercises, classroom electives, personal hygiene, and data collection on the aforementioned areas.  A Teacher Assistant works with students at Rivendale.  Students in these areas are prone to exhibiting physical aggression as well as sensory and/or communication challenges.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Implement Academic Lesson Plans and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – based therapy programs under the direction and supervision of the Teacher and BCBA.

Deliver of 1:1 ABA – based therapy to students.

Take precise and accurate data on academic and ABA-based programs.

Complete current programs during Discrete Trial Training session.

Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating environment for all students.

Assist with daily self-help skills, including hygiene, with students when necessary.

Interact with students whenever and however appropriate. 

Provide necessary communication amongst Teacher and BCBA regarding updates, questions, concerns, behavior plans, etc.

Participate during in-service days.

Abide by all policies and procedures.

Discuss with the Teacher daily procedures regarding the schedule, morning news, correcting papers, newsletter, incidents, outings, staffing, etc.

Observe the Teacher and model his/her or model the Teacher’s vocabulary and learn class rules (e.g., work then rewards; use directed choices; avoid power struggles, etc.))
Work one-on-one with children as directed by Teacher.

Never leave  children unattended.

Report all behavior problems to the Teacher and BCBA.
If you have a persistent behavior problem, check with the Teacher and BCBA who will work with the team to determine a suitable intervention to use.

Be observant, report all unusual circumstances, incidences, or situations/accidents to the Teacher.

Check with the Teacher about each child in your class.  Get to know what each child is capable of and learn the Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and programming for each child in class.

Escort children to class and off campus activities and assist the Teacher of that class.

Report suspected abuse or neglect to the Director and appropriate authorities as a Mandated Reporter.

Perform other job duties as assigned.

Report and record observations.
    
Communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Stand, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs., and pull and push items.

Pass with satisfactory performance CPR, First Aid, Behavior Intervention training/Mandt, and ABA.

Maintain a record of punctuality and attendance.

Work with the BCBA, Teacher, Director, and Assistant Director as a team to develop interventions.

Work independently and as part of a group.

Think and act quickly and use good/sound judgement.

Manage and participate in crises situations.

Complete other duties as assigned.

A licensed and insured driver, with ability to obtain a Missouri Class E driver license
 

Qualifications

Training Requirements

1.    Successfully complete a course in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
2.    Successfully complete a course in First Aid
3.    Successfully complete a course in Medication Administration.
4.    Successfully complete a 10 course in MANDT System Workshop
5.    Successfully complete a course in OSHA regulations on Health and Safety
6.    Successfully complete a 2 hours course in proper use of lifts, seat belts and tie downs
7.    Successfully complete courses over Applied Behavior Analysis
8.    Successfully complete a course over Autism and Communication
   
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma from an accredited school. Experience working with Special Education Populations