Special Needs Assistant

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic understanding of child development, disabilities and special education principles.
• Compassion, patience and empathy in working with children with diverse learning needs and abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with colleagues and interact sensitively with children and families.
• Ability to implement instructional strategies under the supervision of the Teacher and Special Education staff.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the individual needs and behaviors of children with disabilities or special needs.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with children with disabilities, special needs and/or behavioral health issues preferred.
• Training in crisis intervention techniques may be required.
• At TAP, we focus on the Whole Family Approach. Whole Family is a family led strategy to achieve set goals. As an employee you may be required to attend Whole Family training and subject to data entry into the agency’s software as part of the Whole Family approach and serving clients

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have a valid Virginia Operator’s license and reliable transportation.
• TAP participates in the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program. Employees who operate a TAP vehicle or their personal vehicle to conduct TAP business may be subject to driver record monitoring through the Virginia DMV Driver Alert Program.
• Must pass drug screening. Some positions require positive complete background screening including: criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
• Must be able to interact with children.
• Must have CPR, First Aid Certification, and MAT certification or be able to complete such certification within 6 months of employment.
• Must be available to work any eight (8) hour shift during center operational hours of 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Physical activity of this position – climbing; ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like; balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, use of fingers for – picking, pinching, and typing; grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Physical requirements of this position – medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Visual acuity requirements – must be able to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
• Conditions worker subject to in this position – worker in not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required by the Supervisor.

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job and general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of such employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments such an individual may be given.

We only hire individuals legally eligible for employment in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace

Bilingual Ability is a plus

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.60 - $18.85 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $19