Program Assistant/Teacher Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Program Assistants manage students' behavior, ensure students' safety through the implementation of the behavior management system, school rules, and The Foundation Schools' policies and procedures, and reinforce positive behaviors. Program Assistants support the academic program by working under the direction of the classroom teacher to implement lesson plans and meet IEP goals. Program Assistants are responsible for the completion of behavioral documentation within assigned deadlines. Program Assistants also provide staff assistance and program support through participation in meetings, committees, and special activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist with students throughout the school day in both the classrooms and hallways, and maintain required electronic and paper documentation regarding students’ behaviors and activities within assigned deadlines
• Assist teacher with the implementation of both individual and group classroom assignments, lesson plans, and the administration of tests and examinations; take direction from the teacher regarding delegated tasks
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of academic subjects and the ability to assist students with classwork; provide coverage and carryout lesson plans for teacher during absences or when they need to be away from the classroom during the school day
• Reinforce expectations for learning and set classroom structure to encourage student participation and appropriate behavior
• Help to promote a safe, structured, creative, and engaging learning environment; assist with preparation of classroom materials, distribution of books and supplies, and other basic clerical duties
• Assist with students’ transition between classrooms, during lunch periods, during students’ arrivals and departures or other unstructured times
• Demonstrate clear and professional boundaries with all students
• Demonstrate an understanding of how our students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students’ diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students’ IEPs and BIPs 
• Effectively manage student behavior through the implementation of the behavior management system, school rules, policies, and procedures; model appropriate behavior for the students during the school day
• Proactively identify behaviors among all students that could lead to a crisis, an unsafe situation or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors in order to limit the severity and length of disruptions
• Proactively provide supervision of students to ensure the safety and security of the school program at all times
• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Statement and student record confidentiality procedures
• Demonstrate appropriate use of verbal de-escalation skills to manage student behaviors; utilize the behavior continuum in order to use or consider the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions necessary; use effective, appropriate, and approved strategies during a crisis including the participation in seclusions, therapeutic holds, escorts, and student restraints when necessary; consistently, and appropriately utilize and model TACT 2 techniques or classroom behavior management strategies
• Work with teachers, therapists, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs, and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriate
• Actively participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activities
• Consistently model, and implement the organization’s core values to drive actions and to guide our students to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership into positive behaviors 
• Comply with all of The Foundation Schools’ policies, rules, protocols, and procedures
• Complete other duties as assigned

BENEFITS

• Company Paid –Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability Insurances, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (Up to 8% employer contribution after 1 year of service for eligible employees), Educational Funds Assistance, 9 Paid Holidays, Paid Days Leave (PTO), Extended Sick Leave, Scheduled School Leave
• Company and Employee Cost Shared - Health Insurance (include prescription and visions benefits), Dental Insurance
• Employee Paid - Flexible Spending Account Plan (FSA) Medical & Dependent Care Accounts, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness Benefits
• Other Benefits - Credit Union Membership, Free Parking on Site, Professional Development Programs

Requirements

Education, Experience and Certification

• High school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent is required
• Related course work, Associates or Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Minimum of one year of successful experience in special education, a psychiatric setting or other similar setting for children and adolescents is required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus

Physical, Interpersonal and Cognitive

• Utilize basic office equipment such as computer, tablet, telephone, fax, copier, etc.
• Complete reports and data input while using a variety of computer programs
• Move and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitive 
• Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families, and community partners
• Work positively and collaboratively with others
• Maintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate attire, attendance, and timeliness
• Demonstrate effective time management and organization skills 
• Prioritize and plan work activities 
• Use time and resources efficiently, set realistic action plans and goals
• Speak clearly and be understood by others
• Read and express thoughts in a written format
• Possess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balance
• Respond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problems
• Work with minimum supervision and meet deadlines
• Physically restrain or assist in student restraints
• Possess sufficient mobility to provide program support and manage student behaviors