Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed - Temporary

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

Benefits offered by this job

WA State Paid Medical Leave

Job summary

A local non-profit organization in Yakima is seeking a part-time Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed. This role involves supporting students with complex needs in a nurturing educational environment. Responsibilities include implementing instructional and behavioral plans, fostering social skill development, and ensuring a safe classroom. Ideal candidates should have strong behavioral management skills and 2 years' experience in early learning settings. Competitive hourly wage of $18-22, with part-time scheduling from Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• 2 years' experience in early learning or therapeutic setting.
• Experience identifying and reporting child abuse as per laws.
• Ability to physically assist children with behavior problems.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional program and supervise student with complex needs.
• Create a nurturing classroom environment.
• Implement behavioral and educational plans under supervision.
• Report incidents of child abuse as required.

Skills

Behavioral management skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Independence

Education

High School Diploma

Washington State ECE Certificate (47 credits)

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Tools

First Aid/CPR Certification

Food Handler's Card

Job description

Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed

Catholic Charities Servicing Central Washington

Pay Range

$18.00/hr – $22.00/hr

Position Summary

The Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed supports the instructional program by supervising, caring for, and instructing a student with complex needs in an educational classroom setting. The role implements plans for instruction, monitors student academics and behavior, and provides information to appropriate program personnel.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Lead Teacher to establish and maintain a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
• Assist in creating a positive environment in the classroom, including modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors, and facilitating social interactions.
• Implement educational, therapeutic, and behavioral plans under direct supervision of the Childcare and ECEAP Services Program Manager.
• Support goals, social skill building, follow classroom routine instructions, and participate in small and large group activities.
• Help the child increase functional community skills using PECS, sign language, or vocal strategies.
• Prioritize self‑regulation skills while teaching the child to regulate emotions.
• Develop supportive tools such as individual schedules, social stories, and personalized reinforcement strategies.
• Participate in regular supervision and communicate any questions to the Program Manager regarding communication with coworkers and families, and the formulation or implementation of behavior management plans.
• Assist with cleanliness and safety of classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, parent meetings, in‑service days, and supervision.
• 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 manner.
• Observe confidentiality in all dealings related to program, staff, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Requirements

• Must meet the listed requirements or demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Requirements

• Requires standing, walking, bending, and low physical exertion up to 80% of the time.
• May involve physically assisting a child with behavior problems up to 20% of the time.
• May require sitting on the floor or in small chairs.
• Requires ability to drive with adequate vision.

Education

• High School Diploma and Washington State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or similar professional development plan.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential obtained before 2005; grandfathered into the qualifying position.

Experience

• 2 years’ experience working in an early learning setting and/or specialized early care therapeutic setting with children birth to five years old who have experienced abuse, neglect, or drug exposure.
• 2 years’ experience identifying and reporting child abuse to proper authorities as outlined in Washington State 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 professionally within the community.

Licensure, Registration, Certification

• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Cleared by DEL.
• Fingerprints Background Check.
• Bloodborne Pathogens Certification.
• Food Handler’s Card.

Employment Is Conditional Upon

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

Wage and Schedule

Wage: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. Friday, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.

Benefits

WA State Paid Medical Leave – 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Part‑time
• Job function: Education and Training
• Industry: Non‑profit Organization Management

This position is funded on a one‑year basis, with the possibility for renewal based on available funding.