THE ROLE

The TEC Special Education Classroom Aide/Paraprofessional/CNA supports the special education teacher in meeting the diverse needs of students with a range of disabilities. The Special Education Classroom Aide/Paraprofessional/CNA is required to assist in classroom modifications, personal care of students, and communication with regular and special education staff members, provide structure and feedback, and other duties as assigned.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The Education Cooperative (TEC) is an educational collaborative and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in E. Walpole, MA that develops and coordinates educational and organizational programs to meet the needs of our 19 member communities and their students in a way that complements and strengthens their school programs and expands opportunities for their students, educators and communities in the most cost effective manner. TEC's programs include three DESE approved public special education day schools, including the TEC Campus School. Located at TEC's beautiful 8-acres campus in E. Walpole, the TEC Campus Schools provides a small, caring, environment for students aged 3 through 21 that fosters the growth and success of each student. Working as an integrated team, TCS's teachers, nurses, therapists, and paraprofessionals, provide personalized multi-sensory instruction to meet individuals' learning, communication, social, emotional, motor, behavior, daily living, and transition goals. Our students' profiles may include: neurological impairment, sensory impairment, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, medical fragility, developmental delays, or multiple disabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interact and work with students, ages three to twenty-two years, both individually and in small groups under the direction of the supervising teacher;
• Work in special education or general education settings (i.e. inclusion), including but not limited to: reviewing and reinforcing previously introduced lessons and implementing and reinforcing students' individualized programs (IEP);
• Understand basic instructional needs and techniques of students with disabilities and assist the supervising teacher in helping to modify instruction;
• Escort and assist students as necessary, including but not limited to lifting, toileting and/or diapering, feeding through a g-tube, activities of daily living (ADL), and behavior management (non-violent crisis intervention strategies after completing proper training, i.e. Safety Care);
• Assist the supervising teacher in the administration of tests and the evaluation of student progress;
• Correct students' day-to-day class work but shall not be responsible for grading.
• Assist supervising teacher in addressing students' needs:
• Carry out teacher-planned learning exercises including instruction of core curriculum, academic support, and support of related therapies including speech and language activities, occupational and physical therapy activities, music therapy activities, and adaptive physical education (APE) activities.
• Fulfill students' transition and job coaching needs where applicable.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and utmost confidentiality regarding information pertaining to students as is expected of fully certified teachers;
• Participate successfully in staff development curriculum assigned or offered by TEC, including but not limited to restraint training, ABA training, and additional in-service programs;
• Establish an effective work relationship with classroom teachers, specialists, administration, and parents;
• Perform other such duties as assigned by the Program Director and/or supervising teacher;
• Exhibit promptness and dependability in completing all assigned duties in accordance with TEC Personnel Policies;
• Maintains consistent attendance from the start of the day to the end of the day;
• Such additional duties as may be from time to time assigned by the classroom teacher, Program Director, or Director of Student Services;
• Travel between program classrooms when necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma
• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• CNA License (if applicable)
• Valid driver's license

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, & SKILLS

• Interest, and/or experience working with students identified with a variety of special education needs including, but not limited to, severe physical disabilities, health issues, or behavioral issues;
• Ability to effectively work with students, school staff, and administration;
• Adept in working cooperatively with colleagues;
• Able to demonstrate effective oral and communication skills;
• Capable of handling stressful situations in a calm and professional manner;

JOB ENVIRONMENT

Work takes place in classrooms and other school rooms/areas, including offices, within a school building setting and sometimes in community settings. Work is primarily indoors.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone.
• Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and to view detail on a computer screen for extended periods.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching, as well as carrying and occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to hear sounds clearly up to twenty feet.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Education Cooperative prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, active military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic background or national origin or any other class protected by law, and is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Pay:

$21.55

• $34.

70 per hour Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person