Teaching Assistant

Perkins School for the Blind; United States; On-site; USD 24,355 - 38,820; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

401(k) plan with employer match

Job summary

Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown is hiring a Teaching Assistant to support students with complex disabilities. In this role, you will assist in implementing IEP goals and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for students.

The position offers competitive pay ($17.68–$28.18 per hour) and benefits such as health insurance and tuition reimbursement. We encourage passionate individuals to apply, even if not all qualifications are met.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with special needs is preferred.
• Willingness to complete First Aid and CPR training.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in achieving IEP objectives.
• Maintain a safe environment and provide direct care.
• Participate in staff development and training.

Skills

Student Instruction

Behavior Support

Collaboration

Direct Care

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best‑in‑class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities.

Are you passionate about education and eager to make a real difference in the lives of students? Join us as a Teaching Assistant at one of our three schools, where you'll have a direct impact on students with complex disabilities and visual impairments.

In this vital role, you'll support our educators and resident supervisors to help our students thrive in a school and/or residential setting. We offer flexible schedules to meet your needs, as well as the potential for free, on‑campus housing and meals.

What you can expect as a Teaching Assistant

Student Instruction & IEP/Expanded Core Curriculum Implementation Skills

• Teach or assist students to achieve specific IEP objectives.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and documenting measurable IEP goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Collect and accurately document student performance data using program‑specific logs and data systems.
• Support student independence, self‑confidence, and development of social, organizational, and other critical skills.
• Take initiative in planning, providing age‑appropriate content and facilitating student participation.
• Demonstrate understanding of the general curriculum and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Provide individualized language and communication modeling based on student needs, including the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices and American Sign Language (depending on program).

Student Safety & Direct Care Skills

• Maintain a safe and secure environment, using sound judgment and problem‑solving skills.
• Provide and monitor direct care (e.g., hygiene, toileting, showering, feeding, dressing, lifting/transferring) tailored to each student’s abilities.
• Respect student privacy and dignity while providing appropriate physical assistance.

Behavior Support & Crisis Management Skills

• Implement individual Behavior Support Plans and de‑escalation techniques.
• Apply Safety Care strategies effectively to manage student behaviors.

Collaboration & Professional Development Skills

• Participate in staff development, training, and student/staff meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and program goals.

Education / Experience

High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience working with students with special needs, either in a classroom setting, through volunteer work, or in another professional setting preferred.

Willingness to complete and maintain First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Safety‑care Training, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Sign Language (dependent on program needs).

Additional Duties & Specialized Skills

• Provide classroom or cottage coverage, including Teacher and Related Service Provider absence coverage.
• Assist students in clinical, physical/recreational, and off‑campus activities (e.g., PT, OT, SLP, therapeutic pool, gym, track, field trips, driving).
• Willingness to train for Perkins Vehicle Driver Clearance.
• Willingness to train in and provide G‑tube water/feeds as appropriate.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

Salary Range

$17.68–$28.18 per hour (range may differ based on experience and qualification).

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; wellness programs; Health Reimbursement Arrangement; Flexible Spending Accounts; Employer‑Paid Life & Long‑Term Disability Insurance; 401(k) plan with employer match; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; employee recognition programs; EAP; legal services; referral bonuses; credit union access; pre‑tax MBTA passes.

Location

Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River, within 1 mile of Arsenal Yards.

Equal opportunity employer. View the Perkins Notice of non‑discrimination.

We encourage you to apply if you match the role even if all listed qualifications are not met.