1:1 Teachers Aide

YAI•New York City, NY

12d

About The Position

The 1:1 Teachers Aide supports a school-age child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in working toward goals established by the student’s teacher and related-services team. Under the direction of supervisors, teachers, related-service providers, and/or administrators, the aide assists with individualized instructional and therapeutic goals, follows policies and procedures for the student’s care and safety, and provides personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, including toileting and diapering. The aide supports the student’s independence, social participation, communication, and behavioral needs across classroom, therapy, and community settings. This may involve following prescribed behavior plans and positive interventions, collecting data as directed, assisting with transfers and positioning, providing emotional support, and responding to challenging behavior using approved agency techniques. The role also includes supporting safe participation in daily activities and therapy sessions, following modified-diet feeding plans as applicable, and assisting with facility evacuation during emergencies. The position requires frequent physical activity and the ability to assist with student mobility and care, including using mechanical lifts or other equipment and pushing students in wheelchairs. Compensation is $18.00 per hour. Benefits include tuition reimbursement, medical and dental insurance with vision options, paid time off and school holidays, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, life insurance, long-term disability, and discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits nepotism in its workforce and hiring process.

Requirements

High school diploma or educational equivalent.
Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to motivate, listen, observe, and collect data to support individualized plans and the student’s educational and social goals.
Enthusiasm for working with children with disabilities and willingness to take initiative; demonstrate positivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.
Ability to remain calm, think clearly, use an appropriate tone, and exercise good judgment in stressful situations, including when implementing approved agency techniques for challenging behaviors.
Ability and willingness to provide a variety of supports and activities of daily living, including personal care such as toileting and diapering.
Basic computer skills, including email and using Workday to complete tasks.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching; handling, fingering, or feeling objects, tools, or controls; assisting with lifting or moving students of any weight with mechanical lifts or other equipment; supporting students of any weight while standing or sitting; pushing students in wheelchairs; occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; and implementing emergency interventions under the student’s Behavior Support Plan, including lifting or moving individuals with or without assistance or running.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with school-aged children with I/DD in a special education classroom or similar setting.

Responsibilities

Support a school-age child with I/DD in achieving goals set by the student’s teacher and related-services team.
Assist with individualized instructional and therapeutic goals under the direction of supervisors, teachers, related-service providers, and/or administrators.
Follow policies and procedures relating to the student’s care, safety, and management needs.
Assist the student with personal care and activities of daily living, including toileting and diapering, and use approved lifting techniques as needed.
Promote the student’s independence by observing behavior and following prescribed plans addressing social-emotional and behavioral needs; collect data as directed.
Encourage participation in individual and group interactions inside and outside the classroom to develop interpersonal, social, and communication skills and participation in school activities.
Support the student during daily therapy and related-service sessions, including transfers and positioning as directed.
Help maintain student safety in the community, including preventing wandering, keeping the group together, and assisting students in navigating physical obstacles.
Provide social and behavioral support in all settings in accordance with individualized plans, including emotional support, approved physical interventions, and timely responses to challenging behaviors and elopement risks.
Ensure the student is fed appropriately and follow modified-diet feeding plans created by the Speech Therapist or team, maintaining safety throughout.
Assist with facility evacuation during fires, floods, or other emergencies in accordance with applicable procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.