POSITION REQUIREMENTS: TEACHER’S ASSISTANT

UNIT: Educational Services
TITLE OF SUPERVISOR: Behavioral and Educational Services Coordinator (BESC)
SHIFT: Full-Time
STATUS: Non-Exempt
PAY: $13.00-15.00/hr opportunities for unlimited overtime hours
While this position requirement statement is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, the Program Director, Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.
This position involves tasks that expose you to mucous membrane contact, skin contact, blood, bodily fluids, bodily tissues, and/ or the potential for spills and splashes of these fluids. Use of appropriate protective measures (i.e., universal precautions, blood-borne pathogen procedures) is required for every employee engaged in this position.
Purpose: 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.
Essential Functions: The following tasks must be performed by all staff members in this job category.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Occasionally (1 – 33% of the time)

• 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% of the time)

• Perform SAMA techniques with students whose total weight may exceed 200 pounds

Constantly (67 – 100% of the time)

• 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

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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
• Follow the 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
• 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.)
• Assist with housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe, orderly environment
• Transport students to appointments and recreational activities
• Supervise meal and snack times
• Attend meetings and in-service training as scheduled
• Administer medication under the approval and supervision of the nurse or the BESC
• Report hazardous equipment or conditions to the Safety Committee
• Report repair or maintenance needs to the Facilities Coordinator
• Report student illness, injury, or medical concerns to the Nurse
• Report any indication of abuse or neglect to the QIDP
• Report behavioral occurrences or concerns to the BESC
• Participate in fire drills

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