Teacher Assistant

Education: The qualified applicant will hold at least a high school diploma and have or be eligible for a New York State Level One (1) Teaching Assistant Certificate. It is expected that candidate will pursue Teaching Assistant Certification as soon as possible if the candidate does not hold such certificate and will show evidence of this upon request. The candidate will be expected to achieve Level Three (3) Teaching Assistant Certification, which must be maintained with Professional Development every five (5) years through New York State Education Department. Experience: Prior experience with developmentally disabled children in an educational or recreational setting is preferred but not required. This position is directly responsible to the classroom teacher. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Reasonable Accommodations Statement- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential Functions Statement(s): To provide direct assistance to the classroom teacher in all areas of the daily classroom routine. Demonstrate the ability to supervise a classroom group by implementing the teachers' lesson plan and schedule in the absence of the teacher. Must be familiar with all aspects of the classroom routine and the special needs of the individual children. Must be able, with the assistance of the teacher, to conduct small groups during scheduled activities and to work with individual children on specific goals. To work with and supervise classroom aides in toileting procedures, playground programs, lunch programs, and the arrival and departure of the students. To react quickly and appropriately to emergency situations which may arise (i.e. accidents, illness, etc). In addition to the above and at the discretion of the teacher in charge of the classroom, the Teaching Assistant may be assigned duties above those mentioned according to his/her level of training and ability. Such assignments would be made in cooperation with the daily classroom and individual schedules and with the acceptance of the Teaching Assistant. Inclusion in parent conferences should also be considered when appropriate. Position Qualifications: Active Listening - Ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others. Autonomy - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions. Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change in the workplace. Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem. Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly. Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word. Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely. Empathetic - Ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others. Energetic - Ability to work at a sustained pace and produce quality work. Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conducts conforming to a set of values and accepted standards. Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace. Motivation - Ability to inspire oneself and others to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability. Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for ones conduct. SKILLS & ABILITIES: Computer Skills: Must have working knowledge of computer, Internet, Microsoft Word.