About the position
The Teacher Assistant position at Pocasset School involves working closely with students with disabilities under the guidance and supervision of certified personnel. The primary goal is to assist these students in achieving their Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives. The role requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment, ensuring that all students can thrive academically and socially. As a Teacher Assistant, you will be responsible for implementing IEP goals, which may include carrying out small group instruction and providing one-on-one support as needed. You will assist teachers and therapists in maintaining appropriate data and records, which is crucial for tracking student progress. Additionally, you will support the continuous implementation of skills and goals associated with students' occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP), and physical therapy (PT) needs. The position also involves managing and maintaining computer skills and communication devices for students, as well as implementing various plans tailored to individual student needs, including equipment, sensory, mobility, behavior, and self-care plans. A significant aspect of the role is the physical ability to assist in lifting students for positioning, changing, and toileting, which is essential for providing the necessary support to students with mobility challenges. Overall, this position is vital in creating a safe and nurturing environment for students with special needs, ensuring they receive the support required to succeed in their educational journey.
Responsibilities
- Assist in implementing IEP goals.
- Carry out small group instruction and assist in one-on-one instruction as needed.
- Assist teachers and therapists in maintaining appropriate data and records.
- Support the continuous implementation of skills and goals associated with students' OT, SLP, and PT needs.
- Carry out and maintain computer skills and communication devices for students.
- Implement equipment, sensory, mobility, behavior plans, and self-care plans (toileting) per students' needs.
- Assist in lifting students for the purpose of positioning, changing, toileting, etc.
Requirements
- RI Teacher Assistant Certification Required
- At least 2 years of relevant experience preferred
- High School/Trade School degree preferred
- Ability and willingness to work with students who have special needs and/or aggressive behaviors (i.e. biting, kicking, hitting, emotional outburst, etc.)
- Ability to recognize the stages of an escalating crisis and intervene with evidence-based techniques to appropriately de-escalate.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working with students with disabilities
- Knowledge of behavior management techniques
- Familiarity with IEP processes and documentation
