Special Education Support Staff

Walker-Inc; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs in Needham, MA is seeking a Special Education Support Staff member to join a classroom team serving up to nine children with social, emotional, learning, and behavioral challenges. You will assist the teacher with academics, provide social-emotional support, and collaborate with specialists to maintain a structured, therapeutic environment.

The role requires TC I and First Aid/CPR training, strong communication, calmness under pressure, and the ability

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training.
• Must be able to complete First Aid/CPR training.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a classroom team supporting up to nine children with social, emotional, learning, and behavioral disabilities.
• Assist teacher with planning and implementing academic tasks and activities.
• Provide social-emotional support, behavior management, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Support residential students during wakeups and school breaks; transport as required.
• Document incidents and progress; participate in MDT meetings and treatment planning.

Skills

TCI training

First Aid/CPR

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Stamina

Teamwork

Documentation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

About WalkerSince 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.Make a Difference Every Day—and Gain Skills You Can Use for LifeAs a Special Education Support Staff at Walker, you will work as part of a classroom team of three staff in a classroom of up to nine children with social, emotional, learning and behavioral disabilities, as well as supporting residential students in the units during wakeups and non-school days. Primary responsibilities include behavior management, social/emotional support, assisting the teacher with planning and implementing academic tasks, as well as working with specialists (e.g., PE/Health, Art, Music etc.) to create a highly structured environment conducive to learning. Classroom staff will also work as a team to create a calm environment during all activities. The Special Education Support Staff must be committed to child-centered, family-focused, culturally competent care and strengths-based treatment.Essential FunctionsPerform in a way that is aligned with the agency mission and core values. This includes but is not limited to services that are trauma informed, relationship based, family involved, developmentally focused, competence centered, and ecologically oriented.Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support the emotional, behavioral, and educational development of youth, including maintaining a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning and effectively manage the behavior of students individually and in groups.Implement treatment protocols established in youth’s treatment plans, IEPs, and individual support plans.Supervise youth at all times and plan and implement engaging social and recreational activities as needed.Respond to youths’ challenges with crisis intervention techniques consistent with Walker’s training.Work on a residential house during school vacation periods and holidays. Plan developmentally appropriate activities and programming for the group and provide caretaking throughout the shift.Provide transportation to students for appointments as needed.Work as part of a wake-up team on the residence and assure that morning routines (such as medications and breakfast) are completed, and students arrive to school on time.Lead the assigned classroom during the summer session, including ensuring that students participate in all activities and lead students on field trips.Participate actively in supervision and remain receptive to feedback and professional development.Assist the lead teacher in collecting data and writing progress notes as needed, maintain proper documentation of incidents that occur, and complete oral and written reports accurately and on time.Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings, and treatment meetings as needed, to discuss youth’s progress.Collaborate with staff and supervisors across shifts and campus programs to ensure smooth operations and consistent treatment of youth.Participate in all required trainings and professional development opportunities as they arise.Additional duties as assigned.Skills and AbilitiesMust be able to successfully pass and apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trainingMust be able to successfully complete First Aid/CPR trainingStrong interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to remain calm and make safe decisions in high-pressure situationsCapacity to work effectively in a stressful and fast-paced environmentAbility to learn, retain, and apply principles taught in training and supervisionPhysical stamina to participate in activities with childrenAbility to stand, walk, and run for extended periods, perform frequent bending, stooping, stretching, lifting sitting, stairs, typing, and looking at a computer screenStrong written and verbal communication skills and computer experience is requiredAbility to meet deadlines and follow through with multiple projects simultaneouslyAbility to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team, including during times of high stressAbility to transport clients in company vehiclesSchedule:Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:00pm – additional flexibility may be required based on operational and business needsQualificationsEducation and CertificationsRequired:High School diploma or GED requiredPreferred:Associate degree or higherExperiencePreferredPrior experience working with youth in a residential or special education setting preferred, but not requiredOther Requirements:Successfully complete all background check suitability requirementsMust have reliable transportationValid MA driver’s license preferredSupervision:Reports to: Day School SupervisorEqual Opportunity StatementWalker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.