Teaching Asst-Classroom - Villa Maria School

Catholic Charities of Baltimore•Timonium, MD

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Baltimore’s Villa Maria School is seeking a Teaching Assistant-Classroom to support the care and education of children with significant emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges in its school and residential treatment setting. Villa Maria School is a 12-month program serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade in small classrooms of up to nine students. The Teaching Assistant supports teachers with classroom instruction, lesson plans, individualized supports, and IEP-directed activities. The position also provides student supervision and individualized or small-group assistance with learning, behavioral, emotional, and daily living needs. Duties include maintaining a structured, therapeutic environment; using approved CARE, TCI, and trauma-informed practices; documenting student observations and incidents; collaborating with families and interdisciplinary staff; and escorting or transporting students when assigned. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience working with special populations.
Complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training within 45 days of hire.
Complete Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) training within six months of hire.
Complete CPR/First Aid training within 45 days of hire.
Demonstrate a student-centered approach and ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with children with diverse needs.
Demonstrate patience, consistency, nurturing engagement, and ability to reinforce expectations using approved behavior-management and trauma-informed practices.
Exercise sound judgment in crisis prevention and intervention, including supporting effective, least-restrictive responses.
Communicate clearly orally and in writing, listen actively, and share information professionally with relevant parties.
Accurately observe, record, and communicate student behavior, incidents, and progress.
Maintain a professional demeanor, reliability, punctuality, consistent attendance, and follow-through.
Have basic technology proficiency, including the ability to use or learn computer systems, email, web-based tools, online training platforms, and relevant software.
Meet the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including moving throughout classroom, residential, campus, and community settings.
Be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and participate in student activities as needed.
Be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds when necessary.
Obtain and maintain required TCI certification and demonstrate continued competency in approved crisis-prevention and intervention practices.
Meet driving requirements: be at least 21 years old, have at least two years of driving experience, hold a valid state-issued driver’s license without restrictions that impede required driving, and have no more than three points on the driving record.

Responsibilities

Support classroom lesson plans, individualized supports, and IEP-directed activities under teacher direction.
Supervise students in classroom, residential, campus, vehicle, and community settings to promote safety and reinforce expectations.
Provide individualized and small-group support for students’ learning, behavioral, emotional, and daily living needs.
Use approved CARE, TCI, and trauma-informed practices to prevent, de-escalate, and respond to challenging or crisis situations.
Model respectful, consistent, and developmentally appropriate interactions and reinforce positive behavior.
Document and communicate student observations, incidents, progress, and safety concerns accurately and promptly.
Collaborate with teachers, therapists, counselors, parents or guardians, residential staff, and interdisciplinary team members.
Escort and transport students, including driving when assigned, between buildings, residences, appointments, and community activities.
Provide classroom coverage or instructional support in the teacher’s absence.
Follow infection-control, health, safety, and reporting requirements; complete required training and document or report concerns.
Perform other related duties as assigned.