Teaching Assistant

BASIC FUNCTION: Partners with, supports and empowers people with disabilities to lead a life of their choosing in all aspects of community life through the provision of person-centered services. Provides care and support, training, and delegated nursing services to individuals with a variety of physical, mental, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Provides direct care to students in the Alternative Education Program and carries out services as outlined in each persons individualized plan(s). Works cooperatively with other team members to provide services in a safe, respectful, and confidential manner. Accepts guidance, direction and feedback from department leadership, Intervention Specialists, and related services providers (PT, OT, SLP). Services may include but are not limited to self-care skills, behavior supports, academic supports, functional skill development, motor skill development, communication, and vision. Teaching Assistants may be cross-trained in order to provide occasional support in other programs. Teaching Assistants may have the opportunity to pick up available supplemental hours/shifts in other Direct Care roles across UCP.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific to Teaching Assistant:

1. Support students in practicing the daily activities, instructional and supportive activities as prescribed by the childs Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Intervention Specialist.
2. Assist students with communication using tools such as communication books, voice output devices, picture symbols, and sign language under the direction of the Speech Therapist.
3. Accepts guidance, direction and feedback from department leadership, Intervention Specialists, and related services providers (PT, OT, SLP) regarding client-care and operational needs. Communicates professionally with other team members in order to ensure tasks are completed thoroughly, safely and in alignment with each students needs.
4. Continuously guide, monitor and/or assist students in daily functional tasks such as eating, grooming, transfers, using the bathroom, moving through the building via walking or use of mobility devices, communication, swimming, and other tasks as assigned.
5. Safely operate medical equipment such as wheelchairs, standing equipment, adapted swings, positioning equipment, walkers, and any other prescribed equipment.
6. Provide direct care to students during field trips in the community with safety as top priority.
7. Maintain a safe and clean environment throughout the day as delegated including sanitizing medical equipment such as wheelchairs, standers, oral motor items, etc., and other cleaning tasks as needed by the program.
8. Document daily activities for communication logs with families and other staff.
9. Collect data and provide daily documentation as instructed.
10. Organize digital photos, paper-based pictures or icons, and videos. Print and laminate as needed. Utilize specialized software for icons such as Boardmaker.
11. Prepare learning spaces for each day according to lesson plans.
12. Complete a variety of clerical tasks which require entry level skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint). Assist in storing and organizing information on Teams or other designated location. Other clerical duties include but are not limited to scanning, copying, assembling, organizing, inventory and filing.

All Direct Care Workers (including Career Connectors, Community Connectors, Direct Support Professionals (ICF), Teaching Assistants, Therapy Aides, Production Assistants, and Team Leads):

1. Provide personal care for persons served, such as toileting, changing of clothing, feeding, grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, menses care, bus loading/unloading, etc., as directed in the participants individual plans (IPs).
2. Provide delegated nursing care, including but not limited to tube feeding, catheter care, the administration of medications, and other routine medical procedures under the direction of the delegating nurse.
3. Perform housekeeping tasks as related to client needs and in accordance with all relevant regulationsi.e., universal precautions and infection controlincluding laundry, dishwashing, discarding of materials safely, cleaning/disinfecting contaminated surfaces, etc.
4. Work cooperatively with other team members in providing input and assisting in the development and implementation of individual plans (IPs). Deliver programs specified on the IP as assigned; maintain accurate daily documentation and records related to IP and service goals
5. Provide or assist with physical development activities, under the direction of the manager or ancillary services providers (e.g., OT/PT/SLP, etc.)
6. Promote the physical well-being of persons served and staff by performing appropriate lifting, positioning and transferring techniques, emphasizing safety and comfort as priorities.
7. Administer emergency first aid as warranted by the situation; report all significant medical observations to the agency nurse promptly.
8. Use appropriate behavior support techniques as recommended by the interdisciplinary team.
9. Report and document unusual incidents in a timely manner, following agency procedures.
10. Attend and participate in departmental, staff and agency and IP meetings as required.
11. Complete a minimum of 8 hours of training each year. Maintain all required training and certifications including, but not limited to CPR, First Aid, DD Med-Pass, Drivers Training, etc.
12. Develop and maintain positive working relations and interactions with all persons served, staff and program stakeholders.
13. Perform other reasonable duties or special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Physical capacity to perform lifting (minimum of 50 lb.) and assume body positions related to routines of personal care of clients (e.g., pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, crouching, reaching, stooping, and kneeling).
3. Vision and hearing sufficient to complete job responsibilities.
4. Ability to complete state-approved medications administration course and competency to perform delegated nursing tasks as evaluated by the agency nurse.
5. Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative in the education of and care for students.
6. Verbal and writing skills necessary to effectively communicate and document individual needs.
7. Professional manner and willingness to work as part of a team.
8. Able to identify sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
9. Willingness to sign off on and work guided by the principles in the NADSP Code of Ethics.

Salary : $17 - $18