Teacher Assistant - Hyde Park School Program

Description

Abilities First, Inc., an affiliate of the Abilities Partnership of the Hudson Valley, has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years.  We offer a wide variety of services including school and preSchool Programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring.  We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Abilities First is seeking Teacher Assistants in our School Program located in Hyde Park, NY. This position attends to the educational, physical, social and emotional needs of the students while assisting the Classroom Teacher with classroom activities. 

Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 3:00pm; 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year.  This position follows the school calendar (September - June), with a 6-week summer program. 

Salary Range: $17.18 - $18.18

Responsibilities include: 

• Assumes responsibility of the classroom in the absence of the Classroom Teacher. 
• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student's goals are achieved. 
• Assists the Classroom Teacher and Teacher Aides in the preparation of development of teacher made materials.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom in order to provide a beneficial learning environment to meet each student's individual needs. 
• Assists in general classroom housekeeping skills. 
• Attend and participate in staff meeting and job skill training. 
• Attend therapy sessions with students to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom. 
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.)
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students' increased independence in self-dressing and undressing.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students' increased independence in mobility and orientation. 
• Perform wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring and lifting. 
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary.  This should be done at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary)
• Change clothing when wet or soiled. 
• Change diapers and or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Sets out lunches and adaptive feeding equipment, cut up or mash food as required, feed students following OT procedures, and provide opportunities for students' increased independence in meal preparation. 
• Cut up or mash food as required and provide opportunities for students 'increased independence in meal preparation. 
• Feed students following OT procedures and provide opportunities for students' increased independence in self-feeding.
• Wash all feeding equipment and provided opportunities for students' increased independence in washing dishes and utensils.
• Put on and remove ankle-foot orthotics' (AFOs), arm and hand splints, support harnesses, neck braces, head pointers, etc. 
• Lift, place, secure and remove students from prone boards.   
• Set up computers, communication device systems and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits: 

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off (or paid time off on the school calendar) 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options 
• 401(k) plan with employer match 
• Employer paid life insurance. 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support 
• On Demand Payment - access your earnings as early as the next day 
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc. 
• And More! 

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent, plus six (6) college credits in early childhood development, special education, psychology, or other related human services fields. 
• Certificate from NYS Department of Education as Teaching Assistant. 
• One (1) year experience with satisfactory job performance as Teacher Aide preferred. 
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.