Classroom Assistant II

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Employee educational benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

A major public research university in New Jersey is seeking a Classroom Assistant to assist in the education of students with developmental disabilities. This role involves supporting a certified special education teacher and implementing crisis management techniques in a classroom environment. Ideal candidates should possess a high school education and experience working with children, preferably with some knowledge of autism and special education practices. The position offers competitive benefits including medical coverage and paid leave.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent with experience working with children.
• Familiarity with autism and special education principles.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Assist special education teacher in providing educational programming.
• Support classrooms with students having severe behavior challenges.
• Implement crisis management techniques as required.

Skills

Ability to work with children and/or young adults with autism or other special needs

Effective communication and client service skills

Ability to instruct and provide support

Data recording and maintenance skills

Specialized instructional and record-keeping abilities

Education

High school/vocational school education or equivalent

Some college credits in psychology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Educational materials and software

Job description

Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers has been ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers, holding #64 of 500 employers and being the #1 New Jersey employer on the 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes creating a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, fostering employment opportunities for military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Classroom Assistant for the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center.

• Assists the certified special education teacher in providing educational and behavioral programming for students with developmental disabilities at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center - School Program.
• Supports classrooms of students with severe behavior challenges; a greater percentage of work time is spent implementing crisis management techniques, including defensive techniques in response to punches, kicks, etc., and may require the use of physical restraint.
• Assists in providing educational and/or behavioral programs for pre‑kindergarten through 12th grade students, some or all of whom may have special needs, and assists in providing educational and/or behavioral programs for adults with special needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school/vocational school education or equivalent and some relevant experience working with children.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work with children and/or young adults with autism or other special needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide client service skills.
• Ability to instruct and provide support to the specific student population.
• Ability to record and maintain data in computerized and non‑computerized formats.
• Ability to use specialized instructional and/or record‑keeping instruments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college credits in an approved bachelor’s program in psychology, special education, or related field.
• Completion of the DDDC undergraduate fieldwork course.
• Driver’s license; may require a valid driver’s license, two years of driving experience, and successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Some knowledge of autism.
• Basic computer skills (e.g., Word processing, data entry).

Equipment Utilized

• Educational materials and software (language arts materials, math workbooks, handwriting curriculum, etc.).
• Microsoft Excel spreadsheet/graphing program.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be physically active and on feet most of the day.
• Duties may involve running and playing active games with individuals with autism (ages 3 ½ - 21 years), driving vans or other vehicles.
• Training must include the ability to safely provide crisis management techniques, including restraining, lifting, and blocking individuals with challenging behavior.
• Crowded and moderately noisy conditions with children, adolescents, and staff moving about.

Special Conditions

• Multiple vacancies.
• Background checks, including fingerprint, criminal history, and child‑abuse record checks, will be conducted at the applicant’s cost. Applicants must authorise the university to conduct these checks.
• Applicants will be required to provide a Mantoux test, to be inoculated against Hepatitis B (unless waived in writing), and to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid within six months of employment.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs.
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options.
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable).
• Life insurance coverage.
• Employee discount programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement