TEACHING ASSISTANT – SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM

Full-Time, Hourly • $18.25 - $21.90/hour

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.

About the role

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

Shifts Available: Monday – Friday: 8 am – 3 pm or 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

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 help with the safety and supervision of students.
• Attend and pass all required in-services and trainings.
• Participate in performance reviews/discussions.
• Accept assignments in varying classes, in accordance with the need of the program to provide proper ratio in class groupings.
• Be familiar with and act in accordance with all policies contained in the School Age Program's Handbook for Staff.
• Supervise the Substitute Teacher Assistant & School Age Aide in the Teacher’s absence.
• Implement outlined behavior support plans & physical restraint plans.
• Assist in student arrival from the buses and dismissal to the buses.
• Accompany assigned students if they leave the building for programmatic or emergency reasons.
• Must maintain the Initial TA certification/file for the Initial TA Certification 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.
• Must demonstrate an interest in working with students with disabilities.
• Must demonstrate good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands

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

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Paid Training: Get the skills you need to succeed.
• Exceptional Benefits: Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and EAP.
• Retirement Security: 403(b) retirement plan.
• Invest in Your Future: Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within Brightway Living & Learning.
• Paid time off for school breaks and other valuable benefits.