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

About Our Organization:

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a leading non-profit organization in New York’s Greater Capital District. Our comprehensive range of human services reach more than 1,000 children, 600 families, and hundreds of adults across Upstate New York each year. Our multi-faceted programs are designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve. We offer 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 employs more than 300 full and part-time staff. Our spectrum of services for children, families and individuals suffering from the lasting effects of abuse and neglect, family instability, mental illness, homelessness and other ongoing traumas, continues to grow. We are committed to cultivating a culture where all employees can bring their authentic and best selves to work. Our DEI-B initiatives are designed to support and build a more equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace, one which exemplifies true respect and dignity.

We pay for all background checks and your TCI Training! *some conditions may apply*

WE REIMBURSE WORKSHOPS, TESTING, FINGERPRINTING AND OTHER EXPENSES THAT COINCIDE WITH THE LEVEL-1 TA CERTIFICATION PROCESS UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION.

Function:

We are seeking a Certified Teacher Assistant to collaborate with the Special Education Teacher in conducting the Special Education/Day Treatment program for each student assigned to the classroom. The Teacher Assistant is supervised by the Special Education Teacher and Principal. NO WEEKENDS/EVENINGS. Candidates with relatable life experience are encouraged to apply!

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• The Teacher Assistant collaborates with the Special Education Teacher to develop and implement the classroom educational programs directed by the IEP and Care Plan.

• Informs the Teacher and the Care Plan Team of student updates and makes program recommendations as needed.

• Assists students throughout the school day, managing the classroom and providing crisis intervention as needed.

• Informs the Teacher and the Care Plan Team of progress or concerns observed during contact with the students and makes program recommendations as needed.

• Assumes classroom maintenance and program administration duties as appropriate.

• Maintains TA certification in order to teach when the Teacher is not present in the room.

• Ability to substitute for the Teacher for no more than one school day per week.

• Instructs and coaches the students to develop effective emotional, coping and social problem-solving skills.

• Provides direct instruction to students at their guided practice and independent levels, makes learning/teaching 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 therapeutic support spaces.

• 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.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people, including those who are culturally and socio-economically diverse, as well as people with various developmental and functional levels.

• Must be able to interact with students in a mediational, therapeutic manner and contribute to an interactive, motivating classroom climate.

• Must demonstrate effective student de-escalation skills and be proficient at therapeutically interacting with an escalated individual student.

• Must be able to provide close, effective supervision of students, including a running or eloping child, and respond to students’ needs in routine or emergency situations.

• Must be able to conduct physical restraint/physical intervention procedures according to the guidelines of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training.

• Ability to understand, communicate, represent and carry out the mission, values, philosophy and policies of St. Catherine’s Center for Children.

• Ability to carry out written documentation as required by St. Catherine’s policies and procedures and as required by regulating agencies.

Position Specifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency, required.

• AA in Early Childhood or Human Services; BS in Education or related field, preferred. In lieu of a college degree, a combination of relevant professional experience and relatable life experience will be considered.

• Pursuance & completion of NYS Level-1 Teaching Assistant Certificate within 90 days of hire date is required.

• Permanent New York State Certification in Supplementary school personnel (level l, ll or Permanent TA Certification), 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 therapeutically in crisis situations.

• Proficiency in various computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Business Suite, experience with AWARDS is a plus!

• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times, stressful environment.

• Ability to work with students who exhibit significant emotional, behavioral and interpersonal challenges, mental health diagnoses and trauma history (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 students in need.

• Demonstrated placidity and patience; flexibility and adaptability.

• Must be willing and able to work in close proximity with the students we serve.

• Must have the ability to pass required pre-employment background checks, to include fingerprinting.

What We Offer*:

• Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package

• Health Insurance options: Medical, Dental and Vision

• Generous Combined Leave Time and Holiday Pay

• $500 Employee Referral Bonus*

• Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities

• 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!

• Paid Training & Tuition Reimbursement*

• Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement*

• Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

• The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment.

*some conditions may apply

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.

Background Checks: We run a thorough and complete pre-employment background check on all candidates being considered for a position, this includes fingerprinting. All candidates must successfully clear the pre-employment background check process, which follows NYS/DOJ requirements. We pay for all pre-employment background checks!