SUBSTITUTE TEACHING ASSISTANT – SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
Per Diem, hourly position.
About Brightway Living & Learning
Brightway Living & Learning is a premier non-profit provider of human services on Long Island, including educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace. Discover more about our mission and our "All Ways Forward" approach at brightwayny.org.
About the Role
Teaching Assistants in the School Age Program are creative, energetic, career-oriented teaching professionals who are motivated to educate individuals with developmental disabilities in an ungraded self-contained classroom. Teaching Assistants are offered ongoing trainings and support provided by board-certified behavior analysts and other qualified professionals to enhance and maximize career growth. Our school programs operate on a 12-month calendar. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge working in a classroom and community setting following the principles of applied behavior analysis.
Requirements
- High School Diploma
- Demonstrated interest in working with students with disabilities is preferable
- Experience working with children and/or individuals with disabilities is preferable
- Willingness to attend in-services training
- Willingness to attain the NYS Teaching Assistant Certification (at least 9 college credits required after working with a NYS Level 1 certificate for 1 year)
- Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
Responsibilities
- Assist the teacher in implementing IEPs
- Collect student behavior and performance data as directed by the teacher
- Assist in conducting basic instructional activities and helping with student safety and supervision
- Attend and pass all required in-services and trainings
- Participate in performance reviews/discussions
- Accept assignments in varying classes, in accordance with the program’s need to provide proper ratio in class groupings
- Be familiar with and act in accordance with all policies contained in the School Age Program Handbook for Staff
Physical Requirements
- Modify the area to secure the safety of the children (e.g., move/push tables and other heavy objects up to 20 lbs)
- Lift/move 20 lbs (mats)
- Run after a student up to 500 feet
- Run to a classroom in need up to 500 feet
- Kneel, twist, and bend
- Respond to fire alarms
Benefits
- Comprehensive paid training
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities
- Opportunities for advancement within Brightway Living & Learning
- Flexible schedules to support work-life balance
Pay
$18.25 - $21.90/hour
Why You'll Love This Job
- Build meaningful relationships with individuals and their families
- Learn and grow through ongoing training and professional development
- Be part of a supportive team of passionate and dedicated colleagues
- Experience deep job satisfaction knowing your work matters
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Empathetic, compassionate, and patient
- Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic
- A good communicator and team player
- Passionate about making a difference