Teacher Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission “to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children” by providing a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years with national distinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity and inclusion practices, you can be sure you're joining an organization that's just as committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Hourly rate $22.00 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

This position works in both the school and the residential setting.  The Teacher Assistant works under the supervision of a certified teacher to support student learning and classroom instruction. This role assists with academic, behavioral, and social development of students, providing individual support to help students meet educational goals in a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Before school, after school and during non-school days, this position is part of the milieu direct care team and responsible for direct care of the children and following all Eagle House policies and procedures.  This position also serves as instructing and facilitating recreational activities during the non-school days.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Implement appropriate behavior management systems within the classroom setting.
2. Create and maintain a positive, nurturing, and therapeutic setting in the classroom.
3. Provide educational support services to all students.
4. Collaborate with teachers and school social worker regarding IEP accommodations and modifications.
5. Assist teachers and school social worker in the implementation of children's individualized education programs (IEPs).
6. Participate as part of the classroom team in appropriate activities, e.g., assist students with academic work, etc.
7. Supervise students during morning wakeups to assist them in getting to school prepared and on time.
8. Attend all relevant trainings and planning meetings for students.
9. Serve as a substitute teacher, when necessary
10. Maintain the safety of children in all situations using supervision and the implementation of various therapeutic techniques.
11. Maintain a safe, clean, and dignified school and milieu environment.
12. Serve as a healthy role model.
13. Manage and assist in the modification of child behavior.
14. Provide trauma informed care and interventions.
15. Complete required documentation in accordance with licensure and other regulatory entities standard
16. Provide safe transportation to and from program activities.
17. Interact with children in a positive, nurturing, therapeutic manner.
18. Support students while in therapeutic groups in the school or milieu settings.
19. Demonstrate techniques that enhance problem solving skills  and enable growth and maturity.
20. Record and document interventions and critical incidents in a in a timely matter.
21. Understand and relay relevant information regarding children's participation and progress in program.
22. Conduct any other related work to ensure that the physical and emotional needs of the children are met and that the program continues to operate effectively.
23. Assists in planning, supervising and facilitation of the daily activities of clients, including bedtime, morning activities, meal times, recreation activities, etc.
24. Maintains safety aspects of milieu/van by recognizing and correcting conditions, which are or could be safety hazards.
25. Other duties as assigned

*There are instances when a student, per their IEP, requires a 1:1 in the classroom.  In partnership with the student's school district, EH School might agree to provide this 1:1 service.  In this case, a Teacher's Assistant would assume this role.  Duties include:  (hourly rate is different due to the contract with the local LEA):

1. Provide one-on-one academic, behavioral, and social and emotional support to a specific student, per their IEP, as directed
2. Monitor and reinforce positive student behavior and engagement
3. Supervise student during class activities, transitions, lunch, recess (1:1 will begin their day in the residence and then support the student throughout their school day.  Staff ends their day in the school when school is over)
4. Support students with personal care needs when required (e.g., mobility, hygiene)

Educational Requirements : Bachelor's Degree required.

Experience Level

• Three years in human service field or experience working with special needs children.  
• Position requires understanding of elementary and middle school academic work and the ability to support students struggling with academic tasks. 
• Must have the ability to manage stress and to respond to emergency situations safely and calmly.
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications.  Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Microsoft environment.   Familiarity with specific applications used by the Village a plus.
• Physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, i.e., must be able to supervise groups of children and perform physical intervention if required; must be able to move freely from place to place without restriction.

Professional Development

• Use supervision and trainings to ensure professional growth and needed skills in the milieu
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service training programs and workshops or conferences as required by the agency
• Maintain required trainings and certification identified by agency as required to perform job

Certification Requirements:

• All Regular Child Development Specialists in the Residential and Extended Day Treatment programs are required to obtain and maintain the following certifications:

Certification Timeframe

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)                               Within 2 months of hire

First Aid / CPR                                                                       Within 2 months of hire

Public Service License (PSL)/V Endorsement                 Within 2 months of hire

DCF Medication Certification                                            Within 3 months of hire

Failure to obtain required certifications within the specified timeframes or failure to maintain certifications will result in termination of employment as a Child Development Specialist.

If a staff member is unable to attend Medication Certification or First Aid/CPR Training sponsored by the Village within the required timeframes, that staff member must enroll in and attend the required training in an “open-to-the-public” session.  Supervisors will endeavor to provide staff with information about such public sessions.  In such cases, the staff member will be reimbursed for any cost associated with the training after completion of the training.  Proof of payment and proof of attendance/course completion are required to obtain reimbursement.