Teacher Assistant (Pillar Elementary School)

Teacher AssistantLocations: Livingston, NJ (Pillar Elementary School)Status: Full TimeHours: Monday- Friday 8:15 am-3:15 pm; 12 months with approximately 8 weeks paid recess plus personal timeSalary: $18.50 HourlyAbout Pillar Care ContinuumPillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grown and now delivers life-affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations. Pillar Care provides specialized programs to meet a wide range of educational, therapeutic, and social needs of people with various disabilities. The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full- and part-time employees.About The OpportunityPillar Elementary School, an approved private school for students with disabilities, is seeking a dedicated full-time Teacher Assistant to support our dedicated teaching team in delivering high-quality education and individualized support. The Teacher Assistant will work closely with the Teacher of the Handicapped, assisting in planning and executing educational programs tailored to the needs of students. This role plays a vital part in fostering student independence, socialization, and self-esteem while supporting instructional activities and therapeutic interventions.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist in all areas of instruction, including academics, daily routines, special classes, assemblies, therapy groups (aquatic, hippo therapy, etc.), and other school activities.Support students with daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, and hygiene while promoting independence.Adapt instructional materials and activities based on individualized student needs and learning programs.Follow teacher and team directions, working independently to implement lesson plans and classroom activities.Apply effective behavior management strategies as per school guidelines.Assist students during arrival and departure from buses, ensuring safety and supervision.Implement therapist recommendations, including sensory diets, AAC communication strategies, and therapeutic IEP goals.Maintain a professional and positive classroom environment, serving as a role model for students.Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and professional development training.Perform additional related duties as required.Qualifications:High school diploma required; college coursework preferred.Experience working with children with special needs preferred.Eligibility for a Substitute Certificate or previous experience in a similar school setting.Must pass fingerprinting and criminal history background check.Pillar Care Continuum is an Equal Opportunity Employer: committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.Compensation$ 18.50 HourlyPillar Care takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s work experience and qualification as well as the scope of the role, complexity and external market and internal market value when determining salary level.BenefitsCompetitive Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, EAP, Life Insurance)Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement AccountPaid Holidays; Generous PTO401K with Employer MatchingEducational Assistance ProgramThis job description is a brief listing of the functions and requirements of the position named above. It is not intended to serve as a contract for employment nor to list in specific detail every aspect of the job nor to limit the performance of those duties. Other tasks may be assigned as deemed necessary by agency administration.Every Pillar Care employee is responsible for the implementation of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP). As specified in our exposure control plan this position is classified as: Category 2Category 2Employees who perform tasks that involve no exposure to blood ·or body fluids but may perform unplanned procedures usually performed by Category I employees.