Part-Time Buffalo Adventure Guide at The Autism Center

The Villages Charter School Autism Center is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of students on the autism spectrum. The center supports students’ academic, social, and emotional development through a combination of individualized instruction, specialized programs, and targeted therapies provided by our highly trained staff. Through incorporating principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), students will receive the support they need in a nurturing educational environment focused on individualized learning and growth.

The Villages Charter School Autism Center, LLC (TVCS AC) is a subsidiary of The Villages Charter School, Inc. which operates by a charter agreement approved by the Sumter County Board of Education and the Florida State Department of Education. Both The Villages Charter School (“VCS”) and The Villages Charter School Autism Center, LLC (TVCS AC) are Charter in the Workplace schools (see also School of Choice). Unlike traditional county schools, our enrollment criteria are based upon the place of employment of one of the parents/guardians rather than the geographic address of their home. It was founded and is provided funding by The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc. as a business partnership charter school primarily for the benefit of the children of employees of The Villages of Lake-Sumter, Inc. and those Business Partners who have in the past and continue to participate in the development of The Villages.

The Autism Center is located on the Buffalo Ridge campus serving K-7 students, offering a comprehensive support system tailored to each child’s unique needs through a collaborative approach involving special educators, therapists, behavioral specialists, and families.

DESCRIPTION:

The Villages Charter School is accepting applications for a Buffalo Adventure Guide.  Buffalo Adventures is the after-school program for students at The Villages Charter School Autism Center grades PreK through 7th. 

Salary is commensurate with experience, starting at $15.75 per hour.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide support for a safe, nurturing, fun and rewarding experience for PreK-7th ESE students in accordance with the mission and goals of The Villages Charter School.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The list of essential functions as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position and not necessarily descriptive of any one position.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Use effective, positive interpersonal skills.
• Provide direct, active supervision in a 1:5 ratio, as directed.
• Prepare and distribute daily snacks for participating students.
• Assist in the storage, disbursement and inventory of materials and supplies.
• Lead student activities using the set guidelines while maintaining the safety and welfare of students in White Buffalo Adventures.
• Safely transition students on the Autism Center campus between activities
• Follow behavioral guidelines as set forth by The Autism Center’s BCBA, including de-escalation tactics as training through the use of CPI (Crisis Prevention)
• Communicating with admin to ensure students meet after care guidelines
• Work flexible hours necessary for the efficient operation of the program.
• Utilize current telecommunications, as appropriate, to perform job functions and participate in training programs offered to increase telecommunication skill level, job proficiency, current trends and best practices relevant to the area of responsibility.
• Communicate effectively through handheld devices.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students in all areas of use during White Buffalo Adventures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Ability to recognize emergency situations i.e. injury and follow school protocol as described in the training guide.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the White Buffalo Adventures Coordinator
• Exhibit The Villages Charter School core values.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Additional or alternative qualifications to the above as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Tasks require the ability to exert somewhat strenuous effort in work involving moderate physical activity involving some combination of standing; walking; reaching with hands and arms; kneeling; crawling; climbing; balancing; bending; crouching or twisting.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally lift and/or carry, push and/or pull up to 25 pounds.  Manual dexterity is required.  Noise level can be moderate to loud at times.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, tasks require oral communication ability; the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds; visual perception and discrimination; and the ability to distinguish color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as outdoor weather conditions and noise.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock while working with or near office equipment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.   Ability to write simple correspondence.   Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, colleagues, and other employees of the organization.

 TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

Part-time 183 days while school is in session.  There will be other opportunities during school breaks to provide care for students.  Length of the work year and hours of employment are those established by the Board.