TEACHER ASSISTANT - CERTIFIED (Sea Cliff, NY)

SCO Family of Services • Sea Cliff, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Assistant - Certified position involves providing direct support to students in a classroom setting, ensuring their safety, engagement, and adherence to individualized educational plans. This role requires active participation in classroom activities, material preparation, and maintaining a positive learning environment. The assistant will work closely with the teacher to implement student-specific plans, assist with daily living activities, and accompany students on various outings. A key aspect of the role is adhering to program initiatives, agency policies, and regulatory requirements, including mandatory training and documentation.

Requirements

• High school Diploma
• Acceptable background clearance from NY State Central Registrar
• NYS Teacher Assistant Certification required.
• Valid NYS license (for driving agency vehicles)
• Must be certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and must attend TCI-DD refresher training every 6 months as a condition of employment.
• Required to attend and complete all trainings as assigned per regulation and job specific requirement (i.e. Mandated reporter training, HIPAA, Justice Center).
• Must obtain an annual physical and PPD as per requirement.
• Ability to set limits and maintain a helping role within the school community and intervene appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the DD population preferred
• Strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and students within our organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with children and families served.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the supervision of students and help to maintain a consistent engaging classroom routine.
• Be an active member of the classroom team, bringing program suggestions, ideas, and concerns to the teacher’s attention.
• Follow the schedules and assignments as coordinated by the teacher.
• Assist in planning activities, prepping materials, and maintaining a clean orderly classroom environment.
• Model appropriate behavior for students and demonstrate positive work ethics and attitudes.
• Follow all student-specific plans such as BIPs and management strategies and document data.
• Assist students with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) throughout the school day (i.e. feeding, grooming, toileting).
• Implement IEP goal programs and document data.
• Follow program initiatives such as PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and supports) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
• Accompany students on field trips, community experiences, and seasonal activities (i.e. Pool, playground).
• Drive agency vehicles for outings as appropriate (with valid NYS license and approval).
• Complete situation reports, restraint forms, accident/incident reports etc. as required in a timely manner.
• Maintain their professional development record per NYS certification requirements and attend all assigned trainings in LMS (Learning Management System).
• Participate in fire drills and other emergency drills, ensuring student supervision and oversight at all times.
• Care for the equipment and supplies used by the students including securing electronic devices, keeping materials organized and stored appropriately, and recommending purchases of supplies as per purchasing and ordering procedures.
• Pick up students upon arrival from RTC childcare team and drop off students to their units to RTC child-care team.
• Accompany students when traveling within the school building, campus, outside on grounds, and in the community.
• In an emergency or crisis situation, accompany a student to the ER until adequate RTC staff arrive.
• Attend and participate in all assigned trainings and meetings.
• Adhere to SCO agency policies and procedures, (employee handbook) as well as program specific policies and procedures (TLC program manual/orientation manual).

Benefits

• 11 weeks of paid time off, covering major school holidays and additional observances such as Jewish holidays, Lunar New Year, and Juneteenth.
• 6-week summer program (July–August), followed by 2 weeks of paid time off before the new school year starts.
• 4 Staff Development Days when students are not in attendance.
• Health benefits through SCO Family of Services, including Aetna and VisionMed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED