Description

TITLE: Teacher's Aide

REPORTS TO: Designated Teachers and Education Director

STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: The LRA Teacher's Aide (TA) assists fellow education staff in providing primarily behavioral support to students. TAs may be asked to suggest behavioral intervention strategies to help set the tone for a conducive learning environment but may be asked to provide one-to-one instruction. The TA adheres to the positive behavior program, and supports various staff and students as needed. Work hours begin in the dorm at 7:00am to 3:30pm on all instructional days; getting the students up, working with them through morning routines and breakfast and escorting them to school on time with everyone smiling. The TA will follow the School Calendar, including attendance on teacher workdays. TAs may also be requested to work as a Mentor with the Group Living staff on non-instructional days & evenings.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS 

1. Completes the Mentor Training Program and if necessary obtains a UT Paraprofessional Training Certificate.

2. Demonstrates the ability to intervene and communicate appropriately with adolescents.

3. Delivers specific behavioral interventions as required in each student's BIP (part of IEPs/lSPs).

4. Assists teachers as they implement their lesson plans, ensuring instructional goals are met.

5. Implements and adheres to LRA's positive behavior program, promoting a culture of respect and discipline.

6. Enforces classroom rules, BIP expectations and provides appropriate feedback to teachers regarding student work.

7. Holds students accountable for behavior in all locations while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

8. Responds promptly and attentively to direct requests or questions from students or other team members.

9. Listens carefully to students and team members, probing to clarify their specific needs or requests.

10. Fosters an inclusive and safe learning environment conducive to student behavior so all can learn.

11. Contributes relevant suggestions to fellow staff as they implement interventions and instruction.

12. Works with teachers, therapists and GL staff in preparing any reports going to referral sources and parents.

13. Assists students during Speech, Occupational Therapy, off-campus trips and other related services.

14. Complies with requests to work one-on-one with designated students as needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES 

1. Completes work thoroughly, promptly and efficiently; managing multiple tasks as necessary.

2. Analyzes successes and shortcomings, then problem-solves with determination and creativity.

3. Supports approved decisions, responsibly completing tasks with minimal supervision.

4. Holds self, fellow staff, and all students accountable for doing what is required; fulfilling commitments.

5. Makes well-informed decisions, consulting when necessary with others; implementing practical solutions.

6. Communicates collaboratively, acknowledging verbal requests, phone, text, and email messages quickly.

7. Reads and adheres to updated policies and procedures, promptly reporting violations to a supervisor.

8. Maintains confidentiality and models professionalism as a representative of LRA in all locations.

9. Follows all safety regulations and does not hesitate to suggest changes that might improve safety.

10. Pursues continuous professional growth in order to enhance both student and personal performance.

11. Demonstrates an understanding of the LRA Positive Behavior Plan by consistently using it with students.

12. Uses IEP, ISP and BIP objectives when planning instructional, recreation and residential activities.

13. Completes necessary documentation within times specified in policies and procedures.

14. Reviews critical incidents and participates in root-cause analysis as requested by the Compliance Officer.

15. Supports and promotes the LRA values of diversity, equity and inclusion for all staff and students.

16. Greets all visitors, parents and reviewers with a smile and the utmost respect.

17. Models ethical behavior when resolving misunderstandings, disagreements and conflicts.

18. Contributes to long-term planning; promotes collection of Outcome data; and supports CQI initiatives.

19. Allocates resources efficiently; manages budgets (MEC members); reports variances in MOR meetings.

20. Responds positively to a supervisor's reasonable request to perform other duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School Diploma/GED; Bachelor's degree preferred.

2. Experience in working with adolescents.

3. Knowledge of human behavior, social interactions, and psychology is beneficial.

4. Strong oral and written communication skills.

5. Proficient in telephone, computer, and face-to-face customer service skills.

6. Excellent interpersonal skills with staff and students

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Under normal circumstances the employee will need to have the physical capacity to continuously use his/her hands for simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation. The employee may be required to do the following:

· Physically able to bend, stand, stoop, or sit for long periods of time.

· Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

· Push / Pull up to 100 lbs.

· Possible restraining of escalated clients

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands may vary for each client. You will be provided with more information if special physical demands are needed for a client.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have been informed of the expectations of my position and understand that failing to meet these expectations could result in disciplinary action up to and including employment termination.