Teaching Assistant

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

The Teaching Assistant will be responsible for supporting the teacher who is teaching students who may demonstrate academic, behavioral, and/or social deficits. Teaching all academic subjects and life skills, modifying when necessary to meet the individual needs of students.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers Support the teacher in using appropriate methodologies when working with students such as Applied Behavior Analysis or Collaborative Problem Solving or any agreed upon method which acts in the best interest of the student
• Create an authentic environment by displaying student work and projects both in and out of the classroom
• Maintain a consistent and safe environment for the students
• Support the teacher in planning and executing daily lessons which meet the needs of individual students as well as appropriate group lessons
• Modify any materials needed to successfully teach students
• Maintain accurate records by recording relevant information in each students’ binder
• Write annual reports for each student following specific guidelines
• Support the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plans for each student
• Administer assessments to evaluate student progress and identify areas of deficit or concern
• Collaborate with other professionals including guidance, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, behavior specialists, and vocational directors to create a team approach
• Promote health and safety concepts and social interaction with other students
• Participate in all necessary trainings, team meetings, community activities and school functions
• Communicate regularly with supervisors regarding classroom dynamics and student development
• Complete daily attendance reports
• Supervise and assist students in bathroom activities including hourly diaper checks/ diaper changing (when required)
• Supervise all mealtime activities including cleaning up after snacks and meals
• Assist in rest time by putting out / putting away cots, folding of blankets and washing and returning bottles (when required)
• Assisting in the ordered arrangement, appearance and learning environment of the rooms to include sweeping floors, cleaning counters, shelves, refrigerators, microwaves etc
• Attendance at all staff meetings, required workshops and open houses.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures. 
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Qualifications

• BS / BA Degree preferred
• Teaching Assistant Skills Test (ATAS) preferred
• Experience working with children on the autism spectrum preferred in a Teaching Assistant role

Working Conditions

• Monday – Friday / 8AM-3:30PM (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)
• Occasional before and after school work hours at the discretion of the Administrative staff
• School / Classroom setting

Physical requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50–65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth. 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

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