Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed

Paycom - ATS; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health insurance

PTO

Educational assistance

Job summary

Catholic Charities is seeking a Teacher Assistant to support trauma-informed practices in an Early Learning setting in Yakima, WA. You will help implement instructional plans, monitor student academics and behavior, and assist in creating a safe, nurturing classroom environment.

You will coordinate with the Lead Teacher, participate in trainings, and follow Washington WAC requirements while protecting confidentiality and supporting families involved in the program.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the following as verified in MERIT: High School Diploma and WA State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or CDA.
• Two years’ experience in an Early Learning setting with children birth to five who have experienced abuse/neglect.
• Two years’ experience identifying and reporting child abuse per WA laws.
• First Aid/CPR Certification required.
• Background check and fingerprinting required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher to maintain a safe, nurturing environment promoting development.
• Model appropriate behavioral interventions and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Support social skill building and classroom routines in activities with children.
• Assist with communication with families and program staff regarding plans and progress.
• Observe confidentiality in all dealings and follow mandated reporting protocols.

Skills

Strong behavioral management

Verbal and written communication

Independence and teamwork

Professional community representation

Education

High School Diploma

WA State ECE Certificate (47 credits)

CDA credential

First Aid/CPR Certification

Job description

The Teacher Assistant – Trauma informed support the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of a student with complex needs in the educational classroom setting, assisting in implementing plans for instruction, monitoring student academics and behavior. This position will also provide information to appropriate program personnel.Responsibilities:Work with the Lead Teacher to establish and maintain an environment for children which is safe and nurturing that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young childrenAssist in creating a positive environment in the classrooms including modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors and facilitating social interactions between childrenFor assigned child(ren), implements educational, therapeutic and behavioral plans under the direct supervision of Childcare and ECEAP Services Program ManagerSupporting goals, social skill building, following classroom routine instructions, participate in small and large group activitiesWork with the child to increase functional community through use of PECS, sign language or vocal strategiesPrioritize self-regulation skills while teaching the child to regulate their own emotionsDevelop supportive tools such as individual schedules, social stories and personalized reinforcement strategiesParticipate in regular supervision and communicate directly with the Program Manager with any questions regarding communication with coworkers and families in the program, and the formulation or implementation of behavior management plans, treatment, etc.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 follow through with required training in a timely fashion.Observe confidentiality in all dealings related to program, staff and familiesPerform other duties as assigned.Job Requirements:The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirementsPhysical Requirements:This position normally requires the physical demands of standing, walking, bending, or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking and hearing and adequate vision on a regular basis to perform job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time. In addition, approximately 20% of the time may include physically assisting a child exhibiting behavior problems to ensure the safety of other children and staff. There may be times that sitting on the floor or in small chairs will be required. The position also requires ability to drive with adequate vision.Non-Physical Requirements:EducationMust have one of the following as verified in MERIT:High School Diploma and Washington State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or on a professional development planChild Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition the CDA qualification will be acceptable position qualification only if CDA was obtained before and up to the year 2005. Staff who meet this qualification shall be grandfathered into qualifying Teacher Assistant positionExperience2 years’ experience working in an Early Learning setting(s) and/or specialized early care therapeutic setting working with children age(s) birth to five years old who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and/or born drug-affected2 years’ experience that includes identifying, and reporting child abuse to proper authorities as outlined in Washington State reporting child abuse/neglect laws.Special SkillsPossess strong behavioral management skillsPossess good verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work independently and as a team memberAbility to represent the agency in a professional manner within the communityLicensure, Registration, CertificationFirst Aid/CPR CertificationCleared by DELFingerprints Background CheckBlood borne pathogens CertificationFood Handler’s cardEmployment is conditional upon:Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when requiredWage Range: $18 to $22 hourly, based on experienceWork Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5 pmBenefits:7 paid holidays, 1 paid Personal Day, 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per yearHealth insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic CharitiesRetirement 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 employmentBasic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic CharitiesFlexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employmentEducation Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employmentAdditional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theftEmployee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing toolsAnnual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employmentIt 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.