Teaching Assistant (Long Island City)

Gersh Autism Academy•New York, NY

1h•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Academy for Young Minds (AYM), powered by Gersh, is seeking an experienced Teaching Assistant for a full-time, 12-month school calendar position in a classroom in Long Island City, Queens. AYM is a private school for learners on the Autism Spectrum. Under the supervision of the Head Teacher and the BCBA, the Teaching Assistant provides instruction, helps implement individualized curricular activities, and supports student learning through data collection on programs and progress toward goals. The role supports a safe, positive, and authentic learning environment and individualized instruction for students. It includes implementing IEPs and BIPs, monitoring progress, maintaining student records, collaborating with professionals and communicating with supervisors. The position also involves supervising students during bathroom and mealtime activities, assisting with hygiene, maintaining classroom cleanliness, and participating in meetings, training, school events, and community activities. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with one weekly team meeting extending the day until 4:00 p.m. Physical demands include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting or supporting students weighing at least 50–65 pounds, and responding to safety-sensitive situations, potentially including CPI procedures.

Requirements

Experience teaching special education students, preferably using ABA methodology.
Understanding of the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and/or other developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of NYS Common Core Standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Computer proficiency, including database and word-processing applications.
Ability to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, implement CPI therapeutic holds.
Ability to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, lift a child.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday.
Ability to lift at least 50–65 pounds and assist or physically support students, including lifting or guiding students of varying sizes.
Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety, in accordance with CPI training.
Ability to remove oneself and/or others quickly from unsafe situations.
Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment.
Ability to multitask and shift priorities quickly.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships.
Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations.

Nice To Haves

New York State Teaching Assistant (TA) Certification.

Responsibilities

Support the teacher in using appropriate methodologies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Collaborative Problem Solving, or other strategies that prioritize student needs.
Create a positive, authentic learning environment by displaying student work and projects.
Maintain a consistent and safe classroom environment.
Assist the teacher in planning and executing lessons tailored to individual student needs and appropriate group lessons.
Modify materials as needed to support effective student learning.
Maintain accurate student records, including information in each student's binder, and write annual reports according to guidelines.
Implement and support each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
Administer assessments to track student progress and identify areas of concern.
Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other professionals to support a team-based approach.
Promote student health, safety, and social interaction with peers.
Participate in required training, team meetings, community activities, school events, workshops, and open houses.
Communicate regularly with supervisors about classroom dynamics and student development.
Complete daily attendance reports and supervise students during bathroom and mealtime activities, including cleaning and assisting with hygiene tasks.
Maintain classroom cleanliness, including sweeping floors and cleaning counters, shelves, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Assign staff to students each morning and check daily data collection each afternoon.
Perform other duties as assigned by administration.