Teacher Assistant, Certified

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Teacher Assistant, Special Education (Gr. K-6)

Position : Certified Teacher Assistant, Special Education (Gr. K-6)

Program : R&E May School

Type: Full-time; Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $18.91 - $24.05 (Hourly)

Location: Albany, New York

Job Ref. # : 334

About Our Organization :

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a non-profit organization located in the Greater Capital Region of New York. We offer a wide array of human services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and adults, including residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more. St. Catherine’s is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees feel safe to bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. Our DEIB initiatives are designed to foster an equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace; collaboratively embracing mindfulness, relevance, respect and solidarity.

Our Mission:

St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve.

Our Vision:

St. Catherine’s willingness to embrace change and develop new services is, and will remain, our guiding philosophy as we support the human service needs of children, families, and adults throughout the region.

If you would like to learn more about us and our organization, please visit our website at:

Position Overview:

The Certified Teacher Assistant collaborates with the Master Teacher in conducting the therapeutic educational program for each student assigned to the classroom.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Collaborating:

• The Teacher Assistant collaborates with the Master Teacher to develop and implement the classroom educational programs directed by the IEP and Care Plan.
• Informs the Master Teacher and the Care Plan Team of student and tutorial responses to the educational program s/he offers, and makes program recommendations as needed.
• Directs students throughout the school day, managing the classroom and providing crisis intervention as needed.
• Informs the Master Teacher and the Care Plan Team of progress or problems observed during contact with the students and makes program recommendations as needed.
• Assumes classroom maintenance and program administration duties as appropriate.
• Maintains certification to teach when the Master Teacher is not present in the room.
• Ability to substitute for the Master Teacher for no more than one school day per week.

Direct Work with Students:

• The Teacher Assistant joins the Master Teacher in maintaining an inviting, motivating classroom environment which produces strong student outcomes.
• Instructs and coaches the students to develop effective emotional coping, social problem solving, and “getting along” skills.
• Provides direct instruction to students at their guided practice and independent levels, making learning/ teacher adjustments as needed during instruction.
• Provides student supervision and direction in programming outside the classroom (i.e., outdoor play, cafeteria, etc.).
• Responsible for collecting data on the use of breakout spaces.

Team Membership:

• The Teacher Assistant is a full member of the Care Plan Team and attends all Care Plan Team meetings.

Professional Development:

• The Teacher Assistant is responsible for participating in planned in-service and case discussions within the agency; engages in seminars or lectures in the community which would lead to professional growth; and at times, the Teacher Assistant could be asked to participate in in-service seminars within the agency.
• Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/ director.

Organizational Relationships:

• The Teacher Assistant is responsible to and supervised by the Director of Day Treatment Special Education.
• The Teacher Assistant is directed by and provides professional feedback to the Master Teacher on a daily basis in the classroom.

Position Specifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency, required.
• AA in Early Childhood or Human Services; BS in Education or related field, preferred.
• Pursuance in obtaining New York State Level-1 Teaching Assistant Certificate within 90 days from date of hire, is required.
• Permanent New York State Certificate in Supplementary School Personnel, preferred.
• At least one year of relevant experience preferred, with a professional record of integrity and strong work ethic.
• Experience in the use of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), with the ability to respond effectively and therapeutically in crisis situations.
• Proficiency in various computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Business Suite, experience with AWARDS/ NYS Connections is a plus!
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times, stressful environment.
• Ability to work with students who demonstrate serious emotional and behavioral challenges, ages 5-13.
• Ability to handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality.
• Self-motivated and engaged, with a strong attention to detail; Excellent writing aptitude.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; and exhibit empathy for those in need.
• Demonstrated placidity and patience; flexibility and adaptability.
• Must be willing and able to work in close proximity with the clients we serve.

What We Offer*:

• Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
• Health Insurance options*: Medical, Dental and Vision
• $600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit*
• Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) and Paid Holidays*!
• $500 Employee Referral Bonus*
• We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program*
• Pension Plan with Aggressive Agency contribution*
• Life Insurance* – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
• Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
• Tuition Reimbursement* and Travel & Mileage Reimbursement*
• Professional Development and Career & Growth Opportunities
• The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment
• Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

* To qualify, certain conditions may apply; Ask a Human Resources Generalist for more information.

EEO Statement: St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.