Teacher Assistant

Teacher’s Assistant / Paraprofessional – Youth Behavioral Health

Location:

Nashville, TN (Harpeth Primary Assessment Center)
Job Type:Full-Time
Pay: $18.50 /hr

Youth Opportunity is a nationally recognized leader in residential and behavioral health treatment for at‑risk youth. Harpeth Primary Assessment Center in Nashville, Tennessee is a secure, 24‑bed assessment center providing trauma‑informed care to girls ages
10 to17. This temporary program combines structured clinical assessment, individualized support planning, and daily therapeutic services in a highly supportive and structured environment.

Youth typically remain in care for about 30days, during which they receive intake, multidisciplinary evaluation, education, independent living and social skills training, and initial mental health stabilization. Programming occurs in small group units designed to support accurate placement recommendations, emotional safety, and family engagement while preparing youth for the next phase of care.

We are hiring a Teacher’s Assistant / Paraprofessional to support our education program at Harpeth Primary Assessment Center. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about working in education, behavioral health, or residential treatment settings. You will assist Special Education and General Education Teachers in creating positive, engaging classroom environments that meet the unique learning needs of at‑risk youth.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match with Immediate Vesting
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays – Earn 4 hours of PTO every pay period
• Free RX delivery on most medications
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

• Be part of a team making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth
• Support youth in achieving academic and behavioral success
• Work in a secure, structured, and trauma-informed educational environment
• Develop your skills through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

• Assist teachers in preparing lesson materials and organizing classroom activities
• Support teachers in maintaining classroom order and monitoring student behavior
• Provide individualized instruction to students requiring extra academic or behavioral support
• Help with administrative tasks such as attendance, grading, and record keeping
• Encourage positive relationships between students, families, and staff
• Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all youth
• Ensure compliance with state education guidelines and facility policies

• Maintain a high standard of role model behavior for youth
• Participate in training and development activities as required
• Report any acts, incidents, or conditions reflecting inappropriate behavior
• Report any use of physical force and all unusual incidents per guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned or needed

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to pass background check and drug screen
• Ability to think and act independently
• Strong communication and organizational skills

• 3+ years working as a Teacher’s Assistant or Paraprofessional in special education or behavioral health settings
• Experience supporting children with developmental, intellectual, or behavioral disabilities

• Physical Demands:
  Ability to stand, walk, push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds. Must be free of communicable diseases as defined by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under the law.
• Other:
  Must maintain an appropriate and valid state driver’s license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

Youth Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.