Teaching Assistant - Special Education - Peninsula Campus
Location: Newport News, VA
Schedule
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
About the role
At The Faison Center, we change lives daily. Our mission is to create transformative opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. As a Teaching Assistant on our Richmond campus, you’ll play a vital role in delivering personalized instruction, supporting communication development, and helping students reach key milestones. If you’re passionate about working with children with developmental challenges—and exploring a future in teaching or behavioral health—this is a launchpad for your career. The Faison Center is a nationally recognized leader in autism services, known for investing in staff and cultivating professional growth. Whether you hold a BS/BA degree or have relevant experience, you’ll thrive in a workplace that values its employees and promotes work‑life balance. No prior experience? No problem—we provide robust training, so you feel confident and supported in your role.
Responsibilities
- Teach new skills one‑on‑one or in small groups across varied settings
- Facilitate participation in recreational and physical education activities
- Assist with off‑campus community‑based learning experiences
- Track student progress through data collection
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support educational and personal goals
- Help with daily living activities, including hygiene and toileting as needed
- Support individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (required)
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
- Experience supporting individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities is a plus
- Compassion, patience, and a desire to make a lasting difference in people’s lives
Physical Requirements
- Lift 50 pounds continuously while keeping the back straight
- Bend at all joints fluently
- Maintain a kneeling position for up to five minutes
- Reach in all directions
- Grasp using both hands
- Move quickly in both confined and open spaces to avoid safety issues
- Run to retrieve an individual who is moving quickly away from staff
- Maintain balance while lowering to a half‑squat position
Benefits
- Paid instructional breaks (approx. 28 days annually)
- Sick leave and vacation accruals
- Tuition assistance/reimbursement for approved studies
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 403B retirement plan with employer contributions
- Employee discount programs via Working Advantage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Multiple pathways for career advancement