Teacher Assistant (Academy Grand)

Brief Description

Position Title: Teacher Assistant
Department: UCAN Academy and High School
Reports to: Principal

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Works in conjunction with the teacher in the care and education of a group of students.
• Implements specific educational activities for students as directed by the teacher.
• Establishes learning objectives and uses preplanning and classroom teaching to accomplish those objectives.
• Involves all students by utilizing a variety of educational methods to meet students’ individual learning styles.
• Explains directions and models desired student performance.
• Makes a minimum of one phone call per month to each parent.
• Keeps parents informed about their child’s progress and areas for improvement.
• Assists teacher in observing and evaluating the student’s educational progress.
• Serves as a substitute teacher in the absence of the teacher and performs specific activities pre-determined by the teacher.
• Monitors student progress and adjusts instruction based on that progress.
• Establishes closure by summarizing content and fits into context what has been taught.
• Supervises and monitors educational activities both inside and outside the classroom.
• Supervises students in the absence of the teacher and performs specific activities pre-determined by the teacher.
• Affirms the student’s educational progress.

Outreach and Client Engagement

• Promotes orderly behavior throughout the school and clearly defines expected student behavior by encouraging positive behavior and controlling negative behavior.
• Uses appropriate therapeutic methods to promote the social and emotional growth of the students.
• Maintains orderly behavior during class.
• Maintains orderly behavior during class transitions and meal breaks.
• Is able to contain children using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
• Utilizes Crisis Intervention staff appropriately.
• Maintains an environment for students that is safe, pleasant and directed towards enhancing the students' growth and educational development.
• Establishes rapport with students and parents.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers and agency personnel.
• Works effectively with all members of the staff.
• Actively listens to others and their points of view.
• Builds the relationship between the school and parents.

Quality and Accountability

• Maintains records and reports and performs other routine administrative duties as required.
• Prepares a documented lesson plan and emergency lesson plan for each school day.
• Keeps appropriate individual records, attendance records, and student assessments as designated.
• Produces an IEP annual report for each student in a timely manner and in a format consistent with school requirements.
• Maintains a parent log and in a format consistent with school requirements.
• Completes student report cards in a timely manner and in a format consistent with school requirements.

Professionalism and Work Conduct

• Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards, and displays a positive image of.
• Acts in a professional manner at all times and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments to others.
• Reports to work, meetings, training, and job related activities prepared and as scheduled.
• Responds to clients and their families, UCAN staff, IDCFS, service providers and other stakeholders in a timely manner and ensures follow up to adequately address their needs.
• Performs other related tasks as required or assigned.

Education/Job Experience/Certification

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• BSW or BS/BA in Education preferred.
• Type 39 Certification (Paraprofessional) preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of classroom experience preferred.

Special Knowledge And Qualifications

• TCI Training.
• Open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• Understanding of positive Youth Development.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare system.

Summary

At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Benefits Provided At No Cost To You
Group Life and AD&D Insurance
Group Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

UCAN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.