Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed

Catholic Charities of Central Washington; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement 403(b) Plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Catholic Charities of Central Washington is seeking a Teacher Assistant – Trauma informed support to assist in supervision, care, and instruction of students with complex needs in the educational classroom.

You will implement instructional, therapeutic, and behavioral plans under supervision, support social and emotional development, and collaborate with the Lead Teacher and Program Manager to ensure a safe, welcoming learning environment.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following as verified in MERIT (ECE credential or CDA).
• 2 years’ experience in an Early Learning setting.
• 2 years’ experience identifying/reporting child abuse per WA laws.
• First Aid/CPR Certification; Fingerprints background check; Food Handler’s card.

Responsibilities

• Work with Lead Teacher to establish a safe, nurturing environment promoting child development.
• Assist in creating a positive classroom environment with behavioral interventions and social interactions.
• Implement educational, therapeutic, and behavioral plans under supervision of the Program Manager.
• Support goals, social skills, routines, and participation in group activities.
• Observe confidentiality and participate in meetings, trainings, and parent meetings.

Skills

Behavior management

Verbal and written communication

Independent and team player

Professional representation

Education

HS Diploma + WA ECE Certificate (47 credits) or CDA

Job description

The Teacher Assistant – Trauma informed support assists in the supervision, care, and instruction of a student with complex needs in the educational classroom setting, implements instructional plans, monitors student academics and behavior, and provides information to appropriate program personnel.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Lead Teacher to establish a safe and nurturing environment for children that promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
• Assist in creating a positive classroom environment including modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors, and facilitating social interactions between children.
• Implement educational, therapeutic, and behavioral plans under the direct supervision of the Childcare and ECEAP Services Program Manager.
• Support goals, social skill building, following classroom routine instructions, and participate in small and large group activities.
• Help children increase functional community through use of PECS, sign language, or vocal strategies.
• Prioritize self-regulation skills while teaching children to regulate their own emotions.
• Develop supportive tools such as individual schedules, social stories, and personalized reinforcement strategies.
• Participate in regular supervision, communicate directly with the Program Manager regarding questions or implementation of behavior management plans.
• Assist with cleanliness and safety of the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, parent meetings, in-service days, supervision, etc.
• Report suspected incidents of child abuse to the Program Manager and follow mandated reporting protocols.
• Implement all Washington State WAC for childcare centers and complete required training in a timely fashion.
• Observe confidentiality in all dealings related to program, staff, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements

This position normally requires standing, walking, bending, or performing low physical exertion tasks up to 80% of the time. Approximately 20% may involve physically assisting a child exhibiting behavior problems to ensure safety of other children and staff. Sitting on the floor or in small chairs may be required. Ability to drive with adequate vision is required.

Non-Physical Requirements

Education

• Must have one of the following as verified in MERIT:
• High School Diploma and Washington State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or on a professional development plan.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. CDA qualification acceptable only if obtained before and up to year 2005. Staff who meet this qualification are grandfathered into qualifying Teacher Assistant position.

Experience

• 2 years’ experience working in an Early Learning setting(s) and/or specialized early care therapeutic setting working with children aged birth to five years old who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and/or born drug-affected.
• 2 years’ experience that includes identifying and reporting child abuse to proper authorities as outlined in Washington State reporting child abuse/neglect laws.

Special Skills

• Strong behavioral management skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community.

Licensure, Registration, Certification

• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Cleared by DEL.
• Fingerprints Background Check.
• Blood borne pathogens Certification.
• Food Handler’s card.

Employment is conditional upon

• Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required.

Wage Range

$18 to $22 hourly, based on experience.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4pm (35 hours per week).

Benefits

• 7 paid holidays, 1 paid Personal Day, 15 days Paid Time Off (PTO) per year.
• Health insurance including medical and prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities.
• Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment.
• Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities.
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment.
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment.
• Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft.
• Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools.
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment.

It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.