Job Description

TEMPORARY POSITION (12-14 WEEKS)

The Gersh Organization is dedicated to changing the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Our team of professionals is committed to providing opportunities, inspiration, and guidance for every child to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face. With our family of programs in various locations on Long Island and in Puerto Rico, Gersh is the leading provider of educational and support services for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to teach our children to respect people of various sizes, abilities, ethnicities, and ages. When children respect themselves and others, they feel good about who they are. At West Hills, our employees model respect in our everyday interactions, so that our children learn to value all people. When children learn to value people who are different from themselves, they are better prepared to live peacefully in a diverse world. Built on the foundation of over 60 years of camping excellence and 25 years of educational experience for children of all abilities, our West Hills family of programs includes West Hills Academy, West Hills Montessori, West Hills After School and West Hills Day Camp. Our programs offer a unique set of opportunities for all children to grow, learn and have fun all year long. With our academic, after-school and recreational activities, there is something for everyone at West Hills.

The Teacher 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

· 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

QUALIFICATIONS

· BS / BA Degree required

· Fluent in Spanish preferred

· Teaching Assistant Skills Test (ATAS) preferred

· Experience working with children on the autism spectrum preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

· Monday – Friday / 8:00am-4:00pm

· 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 procedures.

· Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and in some cases be able to lift a child.

Job Type: Temporary

Company Description

The Gersh Organization is dedicated to changing the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Our team of professionals is committed to providing opportunities, inspiration, and guidance for every child to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face. With our family of programs in various locations in New York, Seattle, and in Puerto Rico, Gersh is the leading provider of educational and support services for children on the autism spectrum and their families.