Teaching Assistant - Autism School

achievementcenters; Westlake (OH); On-site; USD 23,625 - 28,805; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness coverage

Generous paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Achievement Centers for Children is seeking a Teaching Assistant for their Autism School. The role involves supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder by working alongside teachers and an interdisciplinary team to create a structured learning environment. Ideal candidates should exhibit strong organizational and communication skills, with a background in working with special needs students.

This full-time position offers a salary range of $17.15 - $20.91 per hour, a $500 sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits. Join us to make a meaningful difference!

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with special needs in a classroom or related setting.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to respond to children respectfully and supportively.

Responsibilities

• Support students in Autism School through collaborative work.
• Create a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment.
• Assist with academic instruction and daily living activities.

Skills

Experience working with students with special needs

Strong organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Collaborative ability

Education

Associate degree in Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field

Job description

Achievement Centers for Children is a Cleveland, Ohio-based nonprofit that is nationally recognized for helping children with disabilities and their families achieve and thrive. Working here is both personally meaningful and professionally rewarding.

Our Autism School, in partnership with the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio and local school districts, provides a blended learning environment focused on language development, behavioral supports, and academic achievement. Our interdisciplinary team works collaboratively with students, families, school districts, and therapists to deliver evidence-based, individualized instruction that helps every student reach their full potential.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant to support students in our Autism School classroom. In this role, you will work alongside the teacher and interdisciplinary team to create a structured, engaging, and supportive learning environment for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Hours

Hours: Full-Time position available within school hours (Approx. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Pay Range: $17.15 - $20.91 per hour
Working Days: Follows the Autism School calendar – Monday through Friday
Hours per Week: 35–40 hours per week
Hours per Day: Approximately 7–8 hours per day
Pay Schedule: Employees are paid over 26 pay periods throughout the year, providing consistent year-round pay.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students with special needs in a classroom, childcare, behavioral health, or related setting
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to consistently respond to children in respectful, patient, and supportive ways
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, behavior staff, and families
• Willingness to support students with academic instruction, behavioral interventions, and activities of daily living as needed

Preferred

• Associate degree in Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field
• One to two years of experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles
• Experience supporting students in special education or therapeutic learning environments

Sign-On Bonus

Receive a $500 sign-on bonus paid as follows:

• $150 after successful completion of the 90-day introductory period
• $150 after six months of employment
• $200 after one year of employment

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and wellness coverage, generous paid time off aligned with the school calendar, participation in our 26-pay payroll schedule, a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Achievement Centers for Children is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace.