Teaching Assistant - Autism School

Description

Achievement Centers for Children is a Cleveland, Ohio based nonprofit that is nationally recognized for helping children with disabilities and their families achieve and thrive. Working here is both personally meaningful and professionally rewarding. 

About Our Autism School

In partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio and local school districts, our Autism School provides a blended learning environment focused on language development, behavioral supports, and academic outcomes. We serve students from kindergarten through graduation using Ohio’s Academic Content Standards Extended as the foundation for curriculum development.

Our interdisciplinary team includes intervention specialists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts and specialists, and teaching assistants. Together, we provide integrated instruction in academics and activities of daily living both in the school and in the community. We collaborate closely with families and district partners to support student growth and promote a return to a less restrictive learning environment whenever appropriate. We make a difference every day.

The Role

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant to support students in our Autism School classroom. In this role, you will work alongside the teacher and interdisciplinary team to create a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment for students with autism spectrum disorder.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the students with all instructional and non-instructional tasks as assigned by the teacher. (e.g., academics-instructional; behavior support; personal hygiene assistance) 
• Assists in supervision of students throughout day including lunch, arrival/departure, rest periods, electives, field trips, etc.
• Implements prescribed behavior plans.
• Provide direct supervision of a student to monitor and redirect student behaviors.  
• Assist in personal hygiene routines on an as needed basis.
• Follows prescribed medical plans as trained by a licensed health care professional.
• Assist the teacher in clerical work related to the classroom. 
• Uses and cares for computers and/or electronic equipment to fulfill job functions.
• Assist in the preparing and breaking down of the classroom before and after the student’s leave.
• Assist in keeping the classroom and materials used in an organized and effective manner (e.g., store equipment, clean book shelves, bin, etc.) Sanitize equipment as needed. 
• Serves as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and effective work ethic.
• Participate in appropriate in-service and workshop programs to further professional knowledge and development that supports students with special needs, especially for those students with ASD 

Requirements

• Experience working with students with special needs in a classroom, childcare, behavioral health, or related setting 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to consistently respond to children in respectful, patient, and supportive ways
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, behavior staff, and families
• Willingness to support students with academic instruction, behavioral interventions, and activities of daily living as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field
• 1 to 2 years of experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis principles

Hours: Follow the Autism School calendar – Monday through Friday within school hours (Approx. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Pay Schedule: Employees are paid over 26 pay periods throughout the year, providing consistent year-round pay.