Teachers Assistant

Teacher Assistant

Employees at Damar aren't just part of a workforce — they're part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in people's lives. Since 1967, Damar has been recognized across Indiana as one of the largest not-for-profit organizations and a leading provider of behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services. We foster a united, purpose-driven culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their best. It's no surprise Damar has been named a Top Workplace for several years!

Ready to make a real difference? Join us in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. Damar is currently seeking a talented and motivated Teacher Assistant. The Teacher Assistant is responsible for performing a variety of Para-professional tasks related to the care of individuals served by Damar. This includes participation in activities that promote the development of appropriate daily living, self-help and social skills. Job responsibilities include the performance of duties related to the physical health and well-being of each resident served.

Here are just a few of the benefits you'll enjoy at Damar:

• Starting Hourly Pay: $16.00/hour
• Eligible for the Damar Advantage including discounts at Damar Health Services and Damar Pharmacy
• Comprehensive training in verbal intervention and physical management techniques
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• Up to $3,000 per year in Tuition Assistance
• Save for your retirement with our 401(k) Plan Participation
• Take care of loved ones through our Damar provided Life Insurance and additional voluntary options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance options
• Paid Holidays to spend time with loved ones
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and renewal

Remarkable ways you will be making a difference:

• Teaches the clients to acquire self-help, daily living and social skills
• Conducts and supervises recreational and life enrichment activities
• Actively participates in staff training programs designed to increase overall skills
• Participates in programs designed to aid in the habilitation and training/treatment of clients
• Assists in maintaining a safe and healthy environment, including performing a variety of tasks related to housekeeping including cleaning, washing soiled clothing, changing bed linen, folding and sorting clean laundry
• Functions as a member of the training/treatment team
• Actively participates in the implementation of individual and group programs to maximize the human potential of each client served
• Works with clients, professional and other para-professional staff, client's families, and the community to provide proper habilitation
• Consistently implements behavior management plans to reduce client's maladaptive behaviors and promote appropriate social behaviors
• Leads classroom instruction and provides guidance to the other staff members in the absence of the teacher
• Operates Damar vehicles and/or personal vehicles to transport residents or perform other work related duties
• Effectively responds to and manages crisis situations, which may include client physical aggression, utilizing prescribed verbal intervention or physical management techniques
• Ensures adequate supervisions of clients, never leaving clients unattended unless permitted for periods of time based on a client's Individual Support Plan

What you need to be considered:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 1 year experience as a direct care staff working with MR/DD clients or in a school setting as an assistant or aide, or equivalent experience/education
• Minimum age of 21 per licensure requirements
• Valid Indiana driver's license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Damar's insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving)
• Be clear of any felony convictions, substantiated charges of neglect or other disqualifying criminal convictions
• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical
• Favorably meet and maintain Damar's background screening