Relief Teacher Assistant

Overview

Starting Rate: $21.50/hour

Schedule: Relief/As Needed | Monday through Friday 9:00am–3:00pm

The Relief Teacher Assistant provides flexible coverage and support to The Darnell School as needed. In this role, you will fill in for Teacher Assistants who are absent or provide additional classroom support based on program needs. This is an as-needed position, and scheduled hours may vary depending on staffing needs.

The Teacher Assistant will implement student programming in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, directly supporting students in reaching their individualized education plan (IEP) goals. You will implement academic and behavior support strategies, while collecting and tracking data to monitor progress. You will also join students in the community, supporting their learning outside of the classroom.

The Darnell School is a program of Advocates and is a 221-day-per-year ABA school program serving students ages 9-22 with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or behavioral challenges. Our mission is to teach, support and empower people with disabilities to live meaningful lives based on their needs and choices. We offer spacious classrooms with ample opportunity for community skill-building, relationship development and recreation.

Learn more about The Darnell School here: https://darnellschool.org/

Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement.  We are a close-knit community that values ideas and contributions from staff.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Small, tight-knit program with only four classrooms
• Paid holidays, school vacations, and flex time
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision plans
• 401(k) with employer match
• Free BCBA supervision for those pursuing certification
• Financial assistance for employees pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education and the attainment of a Massachusetts State Teaching License in Severe Disabilities
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
• Exclusive discounts with partner organizations (BJ’s, AAA, and more)
• We will support your education and career development by providing you with the resources needed to advance

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. 

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. 

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Implement student individualized education plan (IEP) goals
• Implement behavior support plans
• Collect data for IEP goals using an electronic data collection system or via paper and pencil
• Accompany and teach students in the community
• Transport students in the community, as needed
• Attend weekly classroom staff meetings
• Attend monthly school wide trainings
• Maintain certifications (First Aid, CPR, Safety Care)

Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Skills in effective communication, include spoken and written English
• Must successfully pass background checks. Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record, automobile insurance and access to vehicle to be used as directed and when needed for transport.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.