Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed - Temporary

Catholic Charities of 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

Catholic Charities of Central Washington seeks a Teacher Assistant to support children with complex needs in a nurturing classroom environment. Responsibilities include assisting the Lead Teacher, implementing educational plans, and ensuring the emotional and cognitive development of young children.

The ideal candidate should have relevant experience, strong behavioral management skills, and certifications including First Aid/CPR. This position is funded through June 30, 2026, with a flexible work schedule and competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• 2 years' experience in Early Learning or specialized care for children.
• 2 years' identifying and reporting child abuse as per Washington State laws.
• Physical capability for low exertion tasks and dealing with behavior issues.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Teacher in providing a safe nurturing environment.
• Implement educational and therapeutic plans for assigned child(ren).
• Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
• Report incidents of child abuse and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Behavioral management skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Teamwork ability

Ability to represent the agency professionally

Education

High School Diploma and Washington State ECE Certificate

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Tools

First Aid/CPR Certification

Food Handler's card

Job description

Overview

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. This position is funded through the end of June 30th, 2026, with the possibility for renewal based on available funding.

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.

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 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: $18 - $22 hourly, depending on experience

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 9am to 3:30pm. Fridays, 9am to 2:30pm. This position is funded through the end of June 30th, 2026, with the possibility for renewal based on available funding.

Benefits

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