Teacher Aide - Myers Corners Education Center

About the Role

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people of every background, identity, and ability to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Responsibilities

• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student’s goals are achieved.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Keep student’s workstations/areas organized.
• Assist in the construction of teacher-developed materials.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom to provide a conducive learning environment.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.).
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provides opportunities for students’ increased independence in self-dressing and undressing.
• Performs wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring, and lifting.
• Toilets children and uses appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary, at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary).
• Changes clothing when wet or soiled.
• Changes diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Sets out lunches and adaptive feeding equipment and provides opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Cuts up or mashes food as required and provides opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Feeds students following OT procedures and provides opportunities for students’ increased independence in self-feeding.
• Washes all feeding equipment and provides opportunities for students’ increased independence in washing dishes and utensils.
• Puts on and removes ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs), arm and hand splints, support harnesses, neck braces, head pointers, etc.
• Lifts, places, secures, and removes students from prone boards.
• Sets up computers, communication device systems, and related adaptive equipment.
• Adheres to the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior.
• Follows all agency policies and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by the supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience within early childhood and special education (preferred).
• Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program).

Pay

$16.88 - $18.88 per hour.

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered.
• Plan for The Future: 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance.
• Level Up Your Skills: Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential).
• Get Paid When You Need It: On-Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day.
• Exclusive Extras: Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more.