SPECO Life Skills Teaching Assistant

Summary:

SPECO is seeking a dedicated and passionate life skills assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will foster a positive learning environment, engage students in meaningful educational experiences, and promote academic and social growth. This full-time position requires a commitment to excellence in education and a desire to inspire young learners. This position will require help to meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the SPECO Director, Life Skills Supervisor and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
• Experience working with diverse student populations is preferred.
• Proficiency in using technology.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

• Some experience working with children

Instructional Support:

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management:

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

Other:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.