TEACHER ASSISTANT - CERTIFIED (Sea Cliff, NY)

Responsibilities

• Ensure the supervision of students and help to maintain a consistent, engaging classroom routine.
• Actively participate as a member of the classroom team by sharing program suggestions, ideas, and concerns with the teacher.
• Follow schedules and assignments as coordinated by the teacher.
• Assist in planning activities, prepping materials, and maintaining a clean, orderly classroom environment.
• Model appropriate behavior for students and demonstrate positive work ethics and attitudes.
• Follow all student-specific plans such as BIPs and management strategies and document data.
• Assist students with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) throughout the school day (e.g., feeding, grooming, toileting).
• Implement IEP goal programs and document data.
• Follow program initiatives such as PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
• Accompany students on field trips, community experiences, and seasonal activities (e.g., pool, playground).
• Drive agency vehicles for outings as appropriate (with valid NYS license and approval).
• Perform other duties as designated by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Acceptable background clearance from NY State Central Registrar.
• Experience working with the DD population preferred.
• NYS Teacher Assistant Certification required.

Relationship with Others

• Be a team player.
• Demonstrate strong sensitivity to cultural differences among staff and students.
• Believe in people’s ability to grow and change; forge respectful partnerships with children and families served.
• Ability to set limits and maintain a helping role within the school community and intervene appropriately.

Working Conditions

The work week is 35 hours, Monday to Friday as per school calendar. Hours are 8:15 AM–3:15 PM, subject to reasonable change. Staff are expected to arrive on time and use UKG Pro software to manage timecards. Frequent absences and tardiness will not be tolerated.

• Staff receive one 30-minute lunch break per day.
• Daily set-up and breakdown of the classroom is required.
• Staff must pick up students upon arrival from RTC childcare team and drop them off to their units.
• Staff must accompany students when traveling within the school building, campus, grounds, and in the community.
• In an emergency or crisis, staff may be required to accompany a student to the ER until adequate RTC staff arrive.
• Attendance and participation are required in all assigned trainings and meetings.
• Staff must be certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and attend TCI-DD refresher training every 6 months.
• Staff must complete all assigned trainings (e.g., Mandated Reporter, HIPAA, Justice Center).
• Annual physical and PPD are required.
• Staff must adhere to SCO agency policies and procedures, including the employee handbook and program-specific manuals.

Scope of Responsibility

• Relate to students, families, and colleagues in a friendly and cooperative manner; treat everyone with respect and uphold dignity at all times.
• Welcome and assist new staff in learning school-wide and student-specific programs and curriculum.
• Focus on creating positive outcomes and understand the complex needs of the student population.
• Complete situation reports, restraint forms, accident/incident reports, etc., as required in a timely manner.
• Maintain professional development records per NYS certification requirements and attend all assigned trainings in the Learning Management System.
• Follow guidelines for building security and parking regulations.
• Participate in fire drills and other emergency drills, ensuring student supervision at all times.
• Care for equipment and supplies used by students, including securing electronic devices, keeping materials organized, and recommending purchases as per procedures.

Benefits

• 11 weeks of paid time off, covering major school holidays and additional observances such as Jewish holidays, Lunar New Year, and Juneteenth.
• 6-week summer program (July–August), followed by 2 weeks of paid time off before the new school year starts.
• 4 Staff Development Days when students are not in attendance.
• Health benefits through SCO Family of Services, including Aetna and VisionMed.