Teacher Assistant

About the Role

Easterseals Lonestar is hiring a Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional to work full-time at Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School (Greenleaf NCS) in Austin, Texas. This year-round position supports students enrolled in the public-school partnership transition program, Monday through Friday, following the Austin ISD school calendar. When students are not in session, the role continues with clerical tasks, special projects, summer programming assistance, and supporting students with summer employment (summer hours may vary).

Responsibilities

• Work with individual students with disabilities or groups of students in a variety of settings at the GNCS site and in the community
• Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to implement student IEP services with fidelity and consistency
• At the direction of the teacher, gather and maintain data on student progress on IEP goals
• Supervise and monitor students in the classroom and other areas at the GNCS site
• Assist students physically as needed, meet students' individual medical needs, and assist with physical functions as needed
• Provide individual assistance to students in lessons, projects, and in making progress on personal IEP goals
• Assist or take the lead in delivering classroom instruction
• Facilitate group recreational activities
• Help foster a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Take necessary safety precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Provide first aid as necessary
• Assist in managing student behavior and implementing behavior plans as needed
• Assist the teacher with clerical tasks as needed
• Operate classroom/facility equipment and technology
• Assist cleaning classrooms, eating areas, or other areas of the GNCS facility
• Communicate with the Lead Teacher and other GNCS staff about individual students' special needs or problems
• Be a positive role model for students and support the Greenleaf NCS mission
• Support professional growth of colleagues by sharing information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement
• Establish and maintain open communication with colleagues, students, parents, and community members
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and personal information

Qualifications

• High School education (some college preferred)
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Experience working with students in a school setting or with individuals with autism and other neurodiversities is strongly preferred
• Upon hire, based on experience and education, the candidate will complete training provided by Easterseals Lonestar or other agencies as appropriate

About Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School

Easterseals Central Texas launched Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School in fall 2019 to create a community hub that fosters the abilities of people with autism and related neurodivergent conditions, so they reach their potential and thrive in the community, in the workplace, and in life. In fall 2021, Greenleaf NCS entered into a partnership with Austin ISD to create a public-school transition program for students with autism and related neurodivergent conditions who are looking for project-based learning opportunities that increase the likelihood of employment and independence after aging out of the public education system. The program serves students 18–22 years old with autism or related neurodivergent conditions who have interests in creative arts and/or technology and have post-secondary transition goals still to be met as part of their public education under IDEA. GNCS uses the IDEA framework for transition services to provide a coordinated set of activities and a results-oriented process focused on improving academic and functional achievement in the areas of students' talents, subject matter expertise, and interests (music, theater, visual arts, digital media, animation, web design, etc.).