Residential Counselor / Teaching Assistant

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. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.

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 / Residential 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-capacities 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 (AAC) 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.
• Actively 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.

If hired as a regular employee at Perkins, we have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.