TEACHING ASSISTANT – SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM

Make a real difference every day in a career where you directly impact lives, experiencing deep fulfillment from helping others and a strong sense of purpose.

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.

The Role

Teaching Assistants in the School Age Program are creative, energetic, career-oriented teaching professionals who educate individuals with developmental disabilities in an ungraded self-contained classroom. Teaching Assistants receive ongoing training and support from board-certified behavior analysts and other qualified professionals to enhance and maximize career growth. Our school programs operate on a 12-month calendar. This role offers valuable experience and knowledge working in a classroom and community setting following the principles of applied behavior analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in directly implementing IEPs.
• Collect student behavior and performance data as directed by the teacher.
• Help conduct basic instructional activities and assist with the safety and supervision of students.
• Attend and pass all required in-services and trainings.
• Participate in performance reviews and discussions.
• Accept assignments in varying classes to maintain proper student-to-staff ratios.
• Be familiar with and act in accordance with all policies in the School Age Program's Handbook for Staff.
• Supervise Substitute Teacher Assistants and School Age Aides in the teacher’s absence.
• Implement outlined behavior support plans and physical restraint plans.
• Assist in student arrival from buses and dismissal to buses.
• Accompany assigned students if they leave the building for programmatic or emergency reasons.
• Maintain the Initial TA certification/file after the expiration of your NYSL1 TA certification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess an initial TA Certification or NYSL1 Teaching Assistant Certification.
• Demonstrated interest in working with students with disabilities.
• Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Modify the area to secure the safety of children, including moving or pushing tables and other heavy objects up to 20 lbs.
• Lift or move up to 20 lbs (e.g., mats).
• Run after a student up to 500 feet.
• Run to a classroom in need up to 500 feet.
• Kneel, twist, and bend as needed.
• Respond to fire alarms.

Benefits

• Comprehensive paid training to develop the skills you need to succeed.
• Exceptional benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and EAP.
• Retirement security with a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities to invest in your future.
• Career growth opportunities within Brightway Living & Learning.
• Paid time off for school breaks and other valuable benefits.

Pay

$18.25 - $21.90/hour

Schedule

Full-time, hourly. Shifts available Monday – Friday: 8 am – 3 pm or 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Why You'll Love This Job

• Build Meaningful Relationships: Develop strong connections with individuals and their families.
• Learn and Grow: Benefit from ongoing training and professional development.
• Be Part of a Supportive Team: Work with passionate and dedicated colleagues.
• Experience Job Satisfaction: Feel a deep sense of accomplishment knowing your work matters.