Program Assistant/Teacher Assistant

JOB SUMMARYProgram Assistants manage students' behavior, ensure students' safety through the implementation of the behavior management system, school rules, and The Foundation Schools' policies and procedures, and reinforce positive behaviors. Program Assistants support the academic program by working under the direction of the classroom teacher to implement lesson plans and meet IEP goals. Program Assistants are responsible for the completion of behavioral documentation within assigned deadlines. Program Assistants also provide staff assistance and program support through participation in meetings, committees, and special activities.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSAssist with students throughout the school day in both the classrooms and hallways, and maintain required electronic and paper documentation regarding students’ behaviors and activities within assigned deadlinesAssist teacher with the implementation of both individual and group classroom assignments, lesson plans, and the administration of tests and examinations; take direction from the teacher regarding delegated tasksDemonstrate basic knowledge of academic subjects and the ability to assist students with classwork; provide coverage and carryout lesson plans for teacher during absences or when they need to be away from the classroom during the school dayReinforce expectations for learning and set classroom structure to encourage student participation and appropriate behaviorHelp to promote a safe, structured, creative, and engaging learning environment; assist with preparation of classroom materials, distribution of books and supplies, and other basic clerical dutiesAssist with students’ transition between classrooms, during lunch periods, during students’ arrivals and departures or other unstructured timesDemonstrate clear and professional boundaries with all studentsDemonstrate an understanding of how our students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students’ diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students’ IEPs and BIPs Effectively manage student behavior through the implementation of the behavior management system, school rules, policies, and procedures; model appropriate behavior for the students during the school dayProactively identify behaviors among all students that could lead to a crisis, an unsafe situation or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors in order to limit the severity and length of disruptionsProactively provide supervision of students to ensure the safety and security of the school program at all timesMaintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Statement and student record confidentiality proceduresDemonstrate appropriate use of verbal de-escalation skills to manage student behaviors; utilize the behavior continuum in order to use or consider the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions necessary; use effective, appropriate, and approved strategies during a crisis including the participation in seclusions, therapeutic holds, escorts, and student restraints when necessary; consistently, and appropriately utilize and model TACT 2 techniques or classroom behavior management strategiesWork with teachers, therapists, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs, and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriateActively participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activitiesConsistently model, and implement the organization’s core values to drive actions and to guide our students to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership into positive behaviors Comply with all of The Foundation Schools’ policies, rules, protocols, and proceduresComplete other duties as assignedBENEFITSCompany Paid –Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability Insurances, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (Up to 8% employer contribution after 1 year of service for eligible employees), Educational Funds Assistance, 9 Paid Holidays, Paid Days Leave (PTO), Extended Sick Leave, Scheduled School LeaveCompany and Employee Cost Shared - Health Insurance (include prescription and visions benefits), Dental InsuranceEmployee Paid - Flexible Spending Account Plan (FSA) Medical & Dependent Care Accounts, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness BenefitsOther Benefits - Credit Union Membership, Free Parking on Site, Professional Development ProgramsRequirementsEducation, Experience and CertificationHigh school diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent is requiredRelated course work, Associates or Bachelor’s degree is preferredMinimum of one year of successful experience in special education, a psychiatric setting or other similar setting for children and adolescents is requiredBilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plusPhysical, Interpersonal and CognitiveUtilize basic office equipment such as computer, tablet, telephone, fax, copier, etc.Complete reports and data input while using a variety of computer programsMove and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitive Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families, and community partnersWork positively and collaboratively with othersMaintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate attire, attendance, and timelinessDemonstrate effective time management and organization skills Prioritize and plan work activities Use time and resources efficiently, set realistic action plans and goalsSpeak clearly and be understood by othersRead and express thoughts in a written formatPossess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balanceRespond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problemsWork with minimum supervision and meet deadlinesPhysically restrain or assist in student restraintsPossess sufficient mobility to provide program support and manage student behaviors