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Vista Del Mar

Trauma-informed child and family services nonprofit

Teacher Assistant - Special needs program

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$19 - $22.30/hr+ 3% employer 403(b) contribution
Entry
Bachelor's
Los Angeles, CA, USA
In Person
EducationSpecial Education & Learning Support

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree is required.
  • Experience with emotionally disturbed or autistic children and adolescents is preferred.
  • Some classroom or recreational experience is preferred.
  • Ability to hear and verbally communicate with others.
  • Ability to interrupt physical altercations among students and administer CPR and first aid.
  • May be required to obtain a Class B driver's license.
  • Must obtain credentials within 30 days.
Responsibilities
  • Assist the teacher in developing and carrying out curriculum and behavior-modification systems for emotionally disturbed children and adolescents.
  • Follow professional standards by arriving on time, signing in and out, notifying the immediate supervisor when leaving, and checking in with the teacher for a daily briefing.
  • Work effectively with the teacher and other school staff, communicate about students and work matters, and help maintain consistent behavior-management programs and academic curriculum.
  • Develop skills and knowledge in working with special education students and attend required meetings, in-services, and trainings.
  • Relate professionally to co-workers, help maintain staff morale, handle anger appropriately, and avoid power struggles.
  • Model appropriate behavior, establish and maintain clear physical and verbal boundaries with students, and maintain student confidentiality.
  • Submit UORs and incident reports when needed; collect data for treatment plan reviews, NPS progress reports, and other student-related reports; and assist the teacher in assembling reports.
  • Maintain class attendance records, student store information, confidential student files and documents, and other classroom files accurately and consistently.
  • Issue and complete point sheets, order and maintain classroom supplies and forms, and communicate daily with necessary staff when needed.
  • Write neatly and professionally.
  • Demonstrate competency in the specified areas of instruction.
  • Drive on occasion, as required.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with emotionally disturbed or autistic children and adolescents.
  • Some classroom or recreational experience.

About the company

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services provides a continuum of trauma-informed services for children, youth, and families in Southern California, including residential treatment, outpatient mental health care, early intervention, and family support. It runs adoption and foster care programs and operates The Vista School, a state-certified school for students with behavioral or learning challenges, along with professional training through internships and a graduate center for clinical child psychology. The organization funds its work through donations, grants, and billing for services, serving many low-income families. Its goal is to help clients lead self-reliant, stable, and productive lives by coordinating education, mental health, and family services.

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Vista RISE opened in 2026, adding substance-use treatment for campus youth.
  • ORR funding through June 30, 2028 supports steady shelter revenue and staffing.
  • Willkie Los Angeles Foundation partnership announced in 2024 expands philanthropic reach and visibility.

What critics are saying

  • June 30, 2026 intrusion exposed protected health information, forcing costly remediation and notifications.
  • September 26, 2026 federal award reduction of $3,660,178 signals ORR revenue volatility.
  • If ORR policy tightens, unaccompanied-minor shelter funding can collapse Vista's operating base.

What makes Vista Del Mar unique

  • 117-year Vista Del Mar combines residential care, school, counseling, and adoption services.
  • Vista Del Mar's 5,000-plus adoptions create durable brand equity with Southern California families.
  • ORR shelter operations and trauma-responsive campus care give Vista a hard-to-replicate service continuum.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Mental Health Support
  • Paid Holidays