Teacher Assistant - Abilities First Myers Corners Education Center in Wappingers Falls, NY

Abilities First•Wappingers Falls, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Abilities First is seeking a patient, energetic, and passionate Teacher Assistant for the Myers Corners Education Center in Wappingers Falls, New York. The position works with an interdisciplinary team to support educational programming for school-age children at every level of ability. The Teacher Assistant attends to students’ daily needs and helps the Classroom Teacher carry out classroom activities. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year, including a six-week summer program. The pay range is $18.04–$19.28 per hour. Abilities First has served individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 years through education, day, residential, community, and employment services. The organization describes itself as mission-driven, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to supporting people of varying backgrounds, identities, and abilities. It is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
New York State Teacher Assistant Certification.
English verbal and written communication skills sufficient for regulatory documentation.
Ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to push and pull students in wheelchairs; lift, bend, squat, turn at the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands to safely perform CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention, and lifting and carrying techniques.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children and/or people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Assume responsibility for the classroom when the Classroom Teacher is absent.
Follow the classroom schedule and help implement individual student therapies and IEP goals, collecting appropriate data to monitor those goals.
Assist students with classroom educational computer programs.
Help the Classroom Teacher and Teacher Aides prepare and develop teacher-made materials.
Help organize and arrange the classroom to provide a learning environment suited to students’ individual needs.
Assist with general housekeeping.
Escort and assist students to and from school buses, supporting increased independence in orientation and mobility.
Provide adequate and safe student supervision, seeking guidance from the immediate supervisor or Program Director when needed.
Assist in classroom activities according to staffing patterns and children’s needs, including toileting, small-group and individual activities, snacks and lunch, and playground supervision.
Attend professional and general staff meetings and in-service training offered by the agency, district, and community; share knowledge with other teaching staff. Complete a minimum of 30 hours every two years.
Attend trainings and webinars for the designated UPK curriculum and implement the curriculum throughout classroom activities.
Ensure employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior, Corporate Compliance and HIPAA standards, and applicable federal, state, local, and municipal laws and regulations.
Incorporate core concepts of the CQL philosophy into daily operations and support methods.
Support the agency’s vision and mission.
Follow agency policies and procedures and maintain regard for personal and others’ safety.
Perform other appropriate job-related activities as required by the immediate supervisor or Program Director, or as circumstances warrant.

Benefits

Personal and sick time, with additional paid time off in accordance with the school calendar.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement savings plan options.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Access to Free Will.
Tuition reimbursement.
Career development training opportunities.
On Demand Pay, with access to earnings as early as the next day.
Staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.