Residential​/Teaching Assistant

Overview

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. We are an international NGO committed to delivering best‑in‑class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. As a Residential / Teaching Assistant, you will support educators and resident supervisors to help students thrive in a school or residential setting and make a real difference in their lives.

Student Instruction & IEP/Expanded Core Curriculum Implementation Skills

• Teach or assist students to achieve specific IEP objectives and develop, implement, and document measurable IEP goals.
• Collect and accurately document student performance data using program‑specific logs and data systems.
• Support student independence, self‑confidence, and development of social, organizational, and other critical skills.
• Plan, provide age‑appropriate instruction, and facilitate student participation.
• Demonstrate understanding of the general curriculum and the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Provide individualized language and communication modeling with AAC devices and American Sign Language as needed.

Student Safety & Direct Care Skills

• Maintain a safe and secure environment, using sound judgment and problem‑solving skills.
• Provide and monitor direct care such as hygiene, toileting, showering, feeding, dressing, and lifting/transferring tailored to each student’s abilities.
• Respect student privacy and dignity while providing appropriate physical assistance.

Behavior Support & Crisis Management Skills

• Implement individual Behavior Support Plans and de‑escalation techniques.
• Apply Safety Care strategies to manage student behaviors.

Collaboration & Professional Development Skills

• Participate in staff development, training, and student/staff meetings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support student learning and program goals.

High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience working with students with special needs – in a classroom, through volunteer work, or in another professional setting – preferred.

• Provide classroom or cottage coverage, including teacher and related service provider absence coverage.
• Assist students in clinical, physical, recreational, and off‑campus activities such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech‑language pathology, therapeutic pool, gym, track, field trips, and driving.
• Willingness to train for Perkins Vehicle Driver Clearance.
• Willingness to train to provide G‑tube water/feeds as appropriate.
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $17.68 - $28.18 per hour (adjusted based on experience and qualifications). Benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance;
Wellness programs;
Health Reimbursement Arrangement;
Flexible Spending Accounts;
Employer‑Paid Life and Long‑Term Disability Insurance; 401(k) plan with employer match;
Tuition reimbursement;
Paid Time Off;
Employee Recognition Programs;
Employee Assistance Program; legal services; referral bonuses; credit union access; pre‑tax MBTA passes and more.

Perkins is an equal opportunity employer. Review the Perkins Notice of non‑discrimination policy.