Special Education Teacher's Assistant

Autism Treatment Center Teacher's Assistant

The teacher's assistant (TA) works directly with students in order to help them attain and maintain the skills necessary to achieve maximum functional independence. The TA supports and promotes the rights of the students and functions effectively as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.

The following tasks must be performed by all staff members in this job category:

• Follow ATC Policies and Procedures
• Adhere to universal precautions and blood-borne pathogen standards
• Use the least restrictive methods necessary to maintain the safety of the student, self, and others
• Communicate appropriately with students, caregivers, coworkers, and supervisors (verbally and in writing)
• Follow basic principles of applied behavior analysis
• Conduct direct teaching with students, including functional academics, communication, social interaction, community integration, recreational skills, vocational skills, and daily living skills
• Oversee SAMS on outings, as needed when delegated by the RN.
• Implement the objectives and procedures identified in the Individual Education Plan, Behavior Intervention Plan, and other educational and behavioral protocols
• Collect educational and behavioral data
• Complete required documentation in a timely manner (e.g., incident reports, injury reports, etc.)
• Complete housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe, orderly environment
• Transport students to appointments (as needed)
• Transport students to recreational activities.
• Supervise meal and snack times
• Attend meetings and in-service training as scheduled
• Report hazardous equipment or conditions to the supervisor
• Report repair or maintenance needs to the supervisor
• Report student illness, injury, or medical concerns to the Nurse
• Report any indication of abuse or neglect to the compliance officer/rights protection officer
• Report behavioral occurrences or concerns to the BCBA/Behavior Specialist
• Participate in fire drills
• Assisting with personal hygiene and toileting needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of college or related experience

Hours:

• Monday Friday, 8:00 am 4:00 pm
• Year-round
• Unlimited overtime available in our residential homes for those who are interested.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally (1 33%): Lift and carry 40lbs 80lbs while handling students; Push a wheelchair holding a student whose total weight may exceed 200 pounds; Engage in gross motor movements such as running and physically redirecting students whose total weight may exceed 200 pounds in order to maintain their safety and the safety of others. Moderate strength and stamina are required in emergency situations.
• Frequently (34 66%): Perform SAMA techniques with students whose total weight may exceed 200 pounds
• Constantly (67 100%): Engage in fine-motor movements such as grasping small objects; Engage in gross-motor movements such as standing, walking, bending, and squatting in order to respond to the needs of the students; Engage in the range of motion necessary to work and play with the students; Engage in the range of motion necessary to assist with personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, eating, and other personal care tasks

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Be able to read and write
• Be reliable with timeliness and attendance
• Work as an effective and productive member of a team
• Be receptive and responsive to feedback from coworkers and supervisors
• Provide an organized environment for safe and effective teaching and learning
• Provide a welcoming and compassionate environment for the students and their caregivers
• Work with students with Developmental Disabilities, academic deficits, and behavioral needs
• Communicate clearly and effectively within a team
• Exhibit patience and flexibility, maintain a positive attitude, and handle stressful situations appropriately
• Meet physical requirements in order to safely manage behavior and actively participate with students
• Respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Maintain personal hygiene and care

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Maintain current CPR, First Aid, and SAMA certifications
• Maintain current Texas Driver's License
• Maintain current automobile insurance

Health and Safety Responsibilities:

• Perform SAMA techniques as needed
• Perform CPR as needed
• Perform an abdominal thrust maneuver as needed
• Respond quickly to emergency and/or life-threatening situations

Use of Tools and Equipment:

• Staff must be able to safely complete the following tasks involving tools and equipment:
• Measure temperature using an ear thermometer
• Drive an automobile or a wheelchair-accessible van
• Assist with the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication Devices
• Monitor fire alarm devices
• Use computers, tablets, iPads, copy machines, and cell phones as needed

Possible Safety and Health Risks:

• Blood or bodily fluid exposure
• Slip or fall exposure
• Physical and/or verbal abuse exposure from students or their caregivers
• Exposure to muscle strain from lifting, stooping, reaching, and twisting