Teacher Assistant

The Arc of the Ozarks; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 32,545 - 39,778; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance

403(b) plan with employer match

Wellness Program

Job summary

The Arc of the Ozarks is looking for a Teacher Assistant in Springfield, Missouri. This role involves providing individualized support to students with special education needs through behavior intervention and lesson plan implementation.

The ideal candidate should have experience with special education, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to perform CPR and First Aid. Competitive salary and benefits such as health insurance and a 403(b) plan are offered.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum age of eighteen years.
• Valid Missouri Class E driver license.

Responsibilities

• Implement academic lesson plans for students with special needs.
• Deliver one-on-one ABA-based therapy to students.
• Collect data on academic and behavior plans.

Skills

Experience working with Special Education populations

Ability to deliver ABA therapy

Effective communication skills

Crisis management

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

First Aid certification

CPR certification

Job description

Position Summary

Positions starting at $36,162 annually. The school schedule is year‑round, with one week off every 8 weeks.

About the Role

This teacher assistant role provides individualized support to students with special education needs. The day‑to‑day focus is on behavior intervention and communication, lesson plan implementation, supervision, social skill instruction, and data collection.

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Implement academic lesson plans and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs under the direction of the Teacher and BCBA.
• Deliver 1:1 ABA‑based therapy to students.
• Collect precise and accurate data on academic and ABA‑based programs.
• Complete current programs during Discrete Trial Training sessions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and stimulating environment for all students.
• Assist with daily self‑help skills, including hygiene, as needed.
• Interact with students appropriately and model teacher vocabulary.
• Communicate updates, questions, and concerns to the Teacher and BCBA.
• Participate during in‑service days.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Teacher on daily procedures, such as schedule, news, paper correction, newsletters, incidents, outings, staffing, etc.
• Observe the Teacher and model classroom rules.
• Work one‑on‑one with children as directed by the Teacher.
• Never leave children unattended.
• Report all behavior problems to the Teacher and BCBA.
• Notify Teacher/BCBA of persistent behavior problems so that the team can determine an intervention.
• Report unusual circumstances, incidents, or accidents to the Teacher.
• Check with the Teacher regarding each child’s capabilities and behavior support plans.
• Escort children to class and off‑campus activities and assist the Teacher of that class.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect to the Director and authorities as a mandated reporter.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.
• Record observations and communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Stand, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs., and pull and push items.
• Pass CPR, First Aid, Behavior Intervention training/MandT, and ABA certification.
• Maintain a record of punctuality and attendance.
• Collaborate with the BCBA, Teacher, Director, and Assistant Director to develop interventions.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Think and act quickly, using good judgment.
• Manage and participate in crisis situations.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience working with Special Education populations.
• Minimum age of eighteen years.
• Valid Missouri Class E driver license (licensed and insured driver).

Training Requirements

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course.
• First Aid course.
• Medication Administration course.
• Mandatory Training (MANDT) System Workshop – 10‑hour course.
• OSHA regulations on Health and Safety course.
• Two‑hour course on proper use of lifts, seat belts, and tie‑downs.
• Courses in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Course on Autism and Communication.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance.
• 403(b) plan with up to 4% employer match after 1 year of service.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.
• Many more benefits available.