Teaching Assistant (Phase 2 or CTW Community)

Summary: The Teaching Assistant for Phase 2 or CTW Community programs supports individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities through a combination of classroom-based instruction and community-based services. This role assists with the development and implementation of individualized plans, promotes independence in daily living and community engagement, and ensures individuals participate in meaningful activities in both structured and natural environments. The position integrates instructional support, direct care, and community-based skill development while ensuring the health, safety, and dignity of individuals served.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Instructional & Program Support

• Assist in implementing individualized goals, objectives, and treatment plans using evidence-based practices and adaptive teaching methods.
• Support curriculum delivery in classroom and community settings, adapting materials to meet individual learning styles and abilities.
• Promote skill development in activities of daily living, interpersonal skills, and independence.
• Ensure individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities aligned with their functional level and goals.
• Maintain structured, organized, and safe environments that support learning and growth.
• Provide assistance, as needed, and monitor engagement of individuals served during paid meal periods. Avoid congregating with other staff.

Community & Life Skills Development

• Support individuals in community, recreational, vocational, and social activities that align with goals and objectives in each individual’s plan.
• Facilitate community integration and real-world skill application in natural environments.
• Provide transportation to community outings, appointments, or program activities as assigned.
• Support individual engagement, independence, and decision-making skills during community, recreational, vocational, and social activities.

Personal Care & Health/Safety

• Provide assistance with personal care, health maintenance activities, and daily living needs in accordance with individual plans.
• Monitor individuals’ health, safety, and well-being at all times and report concerns promptly, including documentation and follow-up.
• Observe and document changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral status and communicate as required.
• Follow all safety procedures, incident reporting policies and procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Behavioral Support

• Implement behavior intervention strategies and support plans using positive, person-centered approaches.
• Address challenging behaviors proactively while maintaining a respectful and supportive approach.
• Promote dignity, respect, and protection of individual rights at all times.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document services, progress notes, behavioral data, and health-related activities within required timelines and in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the development and updates of Individual Treatment Plans.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and organizational regulations, including HIPAA.

Team Collaboration & Professional Conduct

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support individual outcomes and service delivery.
• Maintain professional relationships with individuals served, families, and staff.
• Respond professionally and timely to communication and service needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support varying program needs, including classroom and community assignments.

Availability & Work Expectations

• Comply with assigned work schedules, attendance standards, and timekeeping requirements.
• Be prepared for assigned duties and demonstrate reliability and accountability.
• Maintain staffing ratios as required by governing regulations and program specific policies and procedures.

Transportation:

• Provide transportation to individuals served in compliance with program policies and procedures including license, insurance, and training requirements.
• Will follow all vehicle procedures including but not limited to:
• Vehicle pre and post check inspection, including removal of trash after each trip
• Proper use of seat belts by driver and passengers
• Proper use of wheelchair tie-downs
• Not using cell phone while driving
• Not engaging in any prohibited conduct.

Compliance/HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.

Employee has access to all client protected health information of the individuals directly served by this person, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

High School diploma, preferred CNA Certificate, and two years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with individuals of varying ability levels
• Self-directed with initiative and adaptability
• Organizational and documentation skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to utilize technology for documentation and communication

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid Arkansas Driver's License
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License if required
• First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to obtain additional credentials based on future organizational and/or regulatory requirements.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Ability to lift and transfer adults.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a “non-safety sensitive” position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.