Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed

Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed

Catholic Charities Servicing Central Washington

$18.00/hr – $22.00/hr

The Teacher Assistant - Trauma Informed supports the instructional program by supervising, caring for, and instructing a student with complex needs in an educational classroom setting. The role implements plans for instruction, monitors student academics and behavior, and provides information to appropriate program personnel.

• Work with the Lead Teacher to establish and maintain a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
• Assist in creating a positive environment in the classroom, including modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors, and facilitating social interactions.
• Implement educational, therapeutic, and behavioral plans under direct supervision of the Childcare and ECEAP Services Program Manager.
• Support goals, social skill building, follow classroom routine instructions, and participate in small and large group activities.
• Help the child increase functional community skills using PECS, sign language, or vocal strategies.
• Prioritize self‑regulation skills while teaching the child to regulate emotions.
• Develop supportive tools such as individual schedules, social stories, and personalized reinforcement strategies.
• Participate in regular supervision and communicate any questions to the Program Manager regarding communication with coworkers and families, and the formulation or implementation of behavior management plans.
• Assist with cleanliness and safety of classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, parent meetings, in‑service days, and supervision.
• Report suspected incidents of child abuse to the Program Manager and follow mandated reporting protocols.
• Implement all Washington State WAC for childcare centers and complete required training in a timely manner.
• Observe confidentiality in all dealings related to program, staff, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must meet the listed requirements or demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Requires standing, walking, bending, and low physical exertion up to 80% of the time.
• May involve physically assisting a child with behavior problems up to 20% of the time.
• May require sitting on the floor or in small chairs.
• Requires ability to drive with adequate vision.

• High School Diploma and Washington State ECE Certificate (47 credits) or similar professional development plan.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential obtained before 2005; grandfathered into the qualifying position.

• 2 years’ experience working in an early learning setting and/or specialized early care therapeutic setting with children birth to five years old who have experienced abuse, neglect, or drug exposure.
• 2 years’ experience identifying and reporting child abuse to proper authorities as outlined in Washington State laws.

• Strong behavioral management skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to represent the agency professionally within the community.

• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Cleared by DEL.
• Fingerprints Background Check.
• Bloodborne Pathogens Certification.
• Food Handler’s Card.

• Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required.

Wage: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. Friday, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.

WA State Paid Medical Leave – 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Part‑time
• Job function: Education and Training
• Industry: Non‑profit Organization Management

This position is funded on a one‑year basis, with the possibility for renewal based on available funding.