Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Life Insurance

Education assistance

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Paid holidays

Job summary

Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington is seeking a Trauma‑Informed Teacher Assistant to provide one‑on‑one support for a child with complex needs in a classroom setting. Training and on‑site coaching will be provided to ensure readiness for the role, including nurse consultation for medical needs.

The position involves implementing individualized support plans, assisting with supervision, and helping with behavior management under supervision.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma and WA ECE certificate or CDA (before/through 2005).
• Two years’ experience in Early Learning or therapeutic setting with children birth to five.
• Two years’ experience identifying and reporting child abuse per WA laws.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Teacher to maintain safe, nurturing environments that support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Model positive behaviors and facilitate social interactions among children.
• Implement educational, therapeutic and behavioral plans under supervision.
• Support goals and social skills; follow routines in group activities.
• Use PECS, sign language or vocal strategies to support the child’s communication.
• Teach self-regulation and help child manage emotions.
• Develop schedules, social stories, and reinforcement strategies.

Skills

Behavioral management

Verbal & written comms

Independence & teamwork

Professional demeanor

Education

High School Diploma + WA ECE Cert

CDA (before 2005)

Job description

The Trauma-Informed Teacher Assistant provides individualized one-on-one support to a child with complex needs within the classroom setting, assisting with supervision, care, instruction, and the implementation of individualized support plans. The current assignment includes supporting a child with medical needs; however, the focus of the role may change based on enrollment and evolving classroom needs. Nurse consultation, training, on-site coaching, and hands‑on support will be provided to help ensure the employee is prepared and supported in the role.

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 children
• Assist in creating a positive environment in the classrooms including modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors and facilitating social interactions between children
• For assigned child(ren), implements educational, therapeutic and behavioral plans under the direct supervision of Childcare and ECEAP Services Program Manager
• Supporting goals, social skill building, following classroom routine instructions, participate in small and large group activities
• Work with the child to increase functional community through use of PECS, sign language or vocal strategies
• Prioritize self-regulation skills while teaching the child to regulate their own emotions
• Develop supportive tools such as individual schedules, social stories and personalized reinforcement strategies
• Participate 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 families
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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 requirements

Physical 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.

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 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 position

Experience

• 2 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‑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

• Possess strong behavioral management skills
• Possess 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, 8:00 am to 5 pm

Benefits

• 7 paid holidays, 1 paid Personal Day, 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
• Health insurance including medical & 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.