Behavior Supports Teacher Assistant

Salary: Commensurate with experience and current state salary schedules

Organization Overview:

Pattison’s Academy is a nonprofit organization with a mission to unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and empower their families. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, we provide individualized, comprehensive, year-round programming for children with disabilities through our charter school, summer camp, therapy services, and early intervention services. Our collaborative model places the child at the center of care and surrounds them with a multidisciplinary team of specialized providers, ensuring that all children’s needs are addressed with compassion and expertise.

By consolidating their care network, we provide a one-stop destination with the tools necessary for children with disabilities and their families to thrive.

Job Summary:

Pattison’s Academy Charter School currently has openings for a behavior support teacher assistant for the  school year. The teacher assistant is pivotal to supporting the mission of Pattison’s Academy. Reporting to the Principal, this position works closely with the special education teacher to support the learning environment for children with multiple disabilities and high-support behavior needs in grades K–12+. Our interdisciplinary model provides seamless education, medical, and therapy services in the classroom environment, so our children have every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma + pass a formal state-approved academic assessment OR at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (minimum)
• Experience with children with disabilities preferred
• Strong preference for candidates with RBT experience or those with experience implementing behavior intervention plans

Responsibilities:

The Teacher Assistant’s duties, though not exhaustive, comprise the following:

• Collaborate with the special education teacher to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and educational strategies tailored to each student's needs.
• Assist in implementing therapeutic programs as directed by occupational, physical, and speech therapists.
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and individualized behavior strategies under the guidance of the teacher and/or behavior specialist.
• Use evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies to support student learning and development.
• Assist with de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies in a safe and supportive manner, following established protocols.
• Collaborate with teachers and other team members to track student performance and maintain accurate records of student progress, behavior observations, etc.
• Supports student participation and independence while providing appropriate assistance and encouragement.
• Use positive behavioral support to encourage students and provide guidance in developing social skills and self-regulation.
• Assists in basic medical and health routines for students as directed and trained by nursing staff.
• Provide personal care assistance to students including assisting with personal hygiene needs such as oral feeding, tube feeding, and toileting.
• Assist in managing classroom activities, including preparing instructional materials, setting up learning stations, and organizing classroom resources.
• Maintains cleanliness of classroom and student equipment throughout the day and at the end of the day as needed to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with all safety requirements.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Nurtures a positive and pleasant work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.