Classroom Assistant II

About the role

The Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC) serves the needs of people with autism spectrum disorders, their families, and their schools. As an ABA program, we use these principles to organize our delivery of services. We recognize our responsibility to work collaboratively with the families of the children and adults we serve, and with the agencies that fund their treatment. As a university-based program, our commitment includes the education of undergraduate and graduate students and the dissemination of knowledge through research, training, and consultative services. We also provide information about the treatment and education of people with autism spectrum disorders to the professional community and the general public.

Under the direct supervision of a certified teacher, this position assists in providing educational and/or behavioral programs for pre‑kindergarten through 12th‑grade students, some or all of whom may have special needs, or assists in providing educational and/or behavioral programs for adults with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assists the certified special education teacher in providing educational and behavioral programming for students with developmental disabilities at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center – School Program.
• Supports classrooms of students with severe behavior challenges; a greater percentage of work time will be spent implementing crisis management techniques including defensive techniques in response to punches, kicks, etc., and will require the use of physical restraint.
• Works with the ability to withstand blows to the chest, head, and other areas, and must be able to assist and lift physically resistant individuals with developmental disabilities.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school/vocational school education or equivalent and some relevant experience working with children.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to support certified special education teachers/teachers of the handicapped who work predominantly with developmentally disabled or other special needs populations.
• Ability to work with children and/or young adults with autism or other special needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, have effective client service skills, and have the ability to instruct and provide support to the specific student population.
• Ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non‑computerized formats.
• Ability to use specialized instructional and/or record‑keeping instruments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college credits in an approved bachelor’s degree program in psychology, special education, or related field.
• Completion of the DDDC undergraduate fieldwork course.
• Driver’s license. May require a valid driver’s license, two years of driving experience, and successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Some knowledge of autism.
• Basic computer skills (i.e., word processing, data entry, etc.) helpful.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be physically active and be on feet most of the day.
• Duties may involve running and playing active games with individuals with autism (ages 3½ – 21 years), driving vans or other vehicles.
• Following training, must be physically capable of safely providing crisis management techniques including restraining, lifting, and blocking individuals with challenging behavior.
• Crowded and moderately noisy conditions with children, adolescents, and staff moving about.

Special Conditions

• In accordance with New Jersey State law, applicants must agree to undergo, and authorize the university to conduct, fingerprint, criminal history, and/or child‑abuse record checks with various law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division and/or the New Jersey Division of State Police Bureau of Identification. Applicants must also assume any costs incurred by the university associated with the background investigations whether required by statute or not.
• In accordance with state‑mandated requirements, a Mantoux test will be administered to successful applicants to verify the absence of tuberculosis.
• The successful applicant, at the cost of the university, will be required to be inoculated against Hepatitis B, unless the successful applicant waives this vaccination in writing.
• Required to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid within six months of employment.

Compensation

FLSA: Nonexempt, Grade 09

• Minimum Salary: $34,723.24
• Mid‑Range Salary: $39,813.97
• Maximum Salary: $45,802.06

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. Market benchmarks and internal equity are also considered to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Schedule

• Position Status: Full Time
• Standard Hours: 35.00 per week
• Daily Work Shift
• Work Arrangement: Fully on‑site

Employment Details

• Union: AFSCME – Local 1761 COLT
• Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft Seniority Unit
• Terms of Appointment: Staff – 12 month
• Pension Eligibility: PERS

Location

Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Douglass Campus, New Brunswick, NJ

Additional Requirements

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings.
• Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment commences during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof of vaccination against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain an exemption will result in