Teacher Assistant, Certified - Special Education

Certified Teacher Assistant, Special Education (Gr. K-6)

Position: Certified Teacher Assistant, Special Education (Gr. K-6)    

Program: R&E May School 

Type: Full-time; Non-Exempt 

Pay Range: $18.91 - $24.05 (Hourly)   

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8am-3:30pm, Wednesdays: 8am - 4pm

Location: Albany, New York 

Job Ref. #: 334

Our Mission:

St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families and adults we serve.

Our Vision:

St. Catherine’s willingness to embrace change and develop new services is, and will remain, our guiding philosophy as we support the human service needs of children, families, and adults throughout the region.

Position Overview:

The Certified Teacher Assistant supports the instructional program under the direction of a certified teacher, consistent with New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. The Teacher Assistant works collaboratively to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), support student engagement, and foster a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed learning environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth.

Position Requirements & Specifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency is required; 
• AA in Early Childhood or Human Services; BS in Education or related field, strongly preferred;
• .New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (Level I, II, III, or Pre-Professional), required;
  • Or, Pursuance in obtaining Level-1 Teaching Assistant Certificate within 90 days from date of hire will be required. 
• Experience working with children with diverse learning, social, and emotional needs, preferred;

• Training in crisis prevention/intervention (e.g., TCI), preferred; 

• Ability to respond to crisis situations using approved intervention strategies;

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills;

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based educational setting;

• Ability to support students with varying developmental, behavioral, and academic needs;

• Ability to actively supervise students, including those who may attempt to leave assigned areas;

• Ability to remain engaged and attentive throughout the school day in a fast-paced environment;

• Capable of exercising ethical, independent judgment and discretion, and handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality;

• Have a professional record of integrity, proven reliability and dependability;

• Qualities of positivity, flexibility and adaptability to day-to-day changes with client needs and functioning;

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and effectively manage multiple responsibilities within the role.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include, but is not limited to:

Instructional Support

• Assist the certified teacher in implementing lesson plans aligned with IEP goals and NYSED learning standards.

• Provide small group and individualized instructional support to reinforce learning and skill development.

• Support differentiated instruction by adapting materials and strategies to meet diverse student needs.

• Reinforce positive learning behaviors and engagement through proactive and responsive strategies.

• Takes over instructional delivery, to maintain minimum disruption to programing when the teacher is not present in the room.

Student Support & Supervision

• Provide consistent supervision to ensure student safety across all school environments (classroom, cafeteria, transitions, outdoor spaces).

• Utilize trauma-informed practices to support students’ emotional regulation, coping, and social skill development.

• Respond to student needs using de-escalation strategies and supportive interventions aligned with approved training models (e.g., TCI).

• Maintain awareness of student triggers and proactively implement supports to reduce escalation.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work under the direction of the certified teacher and collaborate with related service providers and school staff.

• Share observations of student progress, behavior, and needs to inform instructional decision-making.

• Participate in team meetings as appropriate to support student programming and outcomes.

Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a structured, predictable, and inclusive classroom environment that supports all learners that leads to strong student outcomes.  

• Promote a classroom culture grounded in respect, safety, and belonging.

• Assist in organizing materials and maintaining a clean, safe, and engaging learning space.

Data Collection & Documentation

• Collect and record student data as directed by the teacher to monitor progress toward IEP goals.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with school procedures and regulatory expectations.

• Protect student confidentiality in compliance with FERPA and NYSED regulations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in required professional development, including training related to trauma-informed practices and student support.

• Actively pursue professional development opportunities to enhance skills and competencies in alignment with individual strengths, areas of need, and program goals.

• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and adherence to school policies and NYSED expectations.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervising administrator.

What We Offer You**:

• Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
• Health Insurance options: Medical, Dental and Vision
• $600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit
• Generous Combined Leave Time (CLT) and Paid Holidays! 
• We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Pension Plan with Generous Agency Contribution
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan
• Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
• Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
• Tuition Reimbursement & Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement
• Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
• The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment
• Our Commitment to Embrace & Foster Mindfulness, Relevance, Respect and Solidarity

**To qualify, certain conditions may apply 

About Us

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a non-profit organization located in the Greater Capital Region of New York. We offer a wide array of human services designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and adults, including residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more. 

St. Catherine’s is committed to cultivating a culture where all employees feel safe to bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. We are invested in fostering an equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace; collaboratively embracing mindfulness, relevance, respect and solidarity. 

If you would like to learn more about our agency or one of our many programs, please visit our website at: www.st-cath.org

EEO Statement

St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.