PACES Teacher Aide

Job Description

Job Description

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

Teacher Aide (PACES Autism Program)

11-Month Position that Follows the School Calendar and

the Extended School Year (Summer Program)

For ASL interpretation please click here.

CLOSING DATE : UNTIL FILLED

REV: 9/17/2025

POST: 3/09/2026

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

Department: Education

Supervisor: Coordinator of Student Support Services

Description: 11 months – Benefits eligible

Union Status: Collective Bargaining (union)

Shift:

Monday – Friday

8:00am – 3:30pm

SCOPE OF DUTIES

Summary:

Under the supervision of the PACES or Core Dean of Students, and/or the Coordinator of Student Support Services, the Teacher Aide (PACES Autism Program) is responsible for the supervision of children and adolescents during school and/or out-of-school hours and the assumption of other responsibilities as designated by the PACES or Core Dean of Students, and/or Student Support Services Coordinator.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Responsible for the supervision of emotionally/behaviorally disordered deaf and hard of hearing children and youth during in or out-of-school hours, including meals.
• Planning and carrying out activities designed to promote personal and social growth.
• Responsible for encouraging students to maintain good personal hygiene and attire, including bathing and feeding.
• Assist students with mobility.
• Encourage students to engage in extra-curricular activities.
• Implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).
• Participation in planning and staff conferences with academic and residential staff.
• Participation in staff training and in-service activities, including Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT) workshops.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular and frequent basis.
• Responsible for reports and daily logs.
• Works cooperatively with all teachers, residential staff and other support staff.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Will be responsible to work the Extended School Year (ESY) program yearly as part of the regular work schedule.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting.
• Ability to anticipate potential issues and re-direct or de-escalate behavior.
• Demonstrates good judgment and dependability.
• Proficient with writing reports
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Ability to manage crisis situations
• Demonstrates high levels of patience, empathy, and respect.
• Demonstrates an understanding of cultural diversity and embeds that knowledge into practice

• Proficiency in American Sign Language highly desired; interest in learning ASL required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Non-exempt, 11-month position
• Salary based on guidelines of the Union Pay Scale
• Retirement, group health insurance, and other fringe benefits are available
• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service, not applicable for re-hires.

ASD is ALL ways able. Should you require accommodation for applying to this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).