Floater Teacher Assistant at UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC – North Bennington, Vermont

Description: Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.
UCS Offers Generous BenefitsCompetitive payGenerous paid time offMedical, dental, and vision insuranceRetirement plan with employer matchEmployer paid life insuranceEmployer paid short term and long-term disability insuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramCareer development opportunitiesFree clinical supervision towards licensureLoan repayment and tuition assistance programAward winning worksite wellness programAn inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Operations Coordinator, the Floater Teacher Assistant helps to create and maintain an atmosphere in the classroom in which children feel welcome, valued, comfortable and secure. The Floater Teacher Assistant will help the program day-to-day operations run smoothly by providing classroom teachers with breaks, coverage for meetings, assist with beginning and end of the day cleaning, provide childcare for late afternoon and evening family meetings and events, substituting in the classroom, and help with preparation for the next day.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.0 EDUCATION:

The Floater Teacher Assistant cooperates with the Teacher and/or Manager to be sure that day-to-day operations within the full day program are running smoothly. The Floater will ensure this by providing Teachers with breaks, covering for meetings, riding the bus when needed, replenishing food for the classrooms at mealtimes, assisting with beginning and end of the day cleaning, and substituting in the classroom when needed.

2.0 CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:

As directed by the Teacher, Co-Teacher and/or Manager, the Floater will supervise children’s play activities, help children to participate in individual activities, small, and large group activities. Will also observe and report child’s behavior to Teacher. The Floater will work with each individual teaching team to ensure that they are providing the most appropriate support to the classrooms.

3.0 CLASSROOM AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE:

The Floater Teacher Assistant will be responsible to clean the classroom, as directed by the Teacher and at the end of the day. End of the day responsibilities include, but are not limited to, sweeping the floors, combining and bagging up all trash, checking the classroom to be sure that lights and air conditioners are off and that all windows are closed, and that all doors are locked. Daily duties may include playground health and safety checklists and minor upkeep; kitchen duties- formula, meal or snack preparation or clean-up, kitchen dishes and cleanup following CCFAP and CDD regulation standards; tidying and organizing common areas and preparation and care of materials and equipment.

4.0 DOCUMENTATION:

Must ensure meeting Office of Head Start and Child Care Licensing Regulations for paperwork standards. Must ensure Bright Futures Quality Credential Account is up to date. Assists Teachers and Co-Teachers with case notes and child observations and entered into electronic child and family records systems. Ensures children are signed in and out of the program in classrooms worked daily and following systems of program procedures.

5.0 BUS MONITOR:

Responsible for assisting children to their seat so the monitor can secure the required 3-point harness in a timely manner. The monitor supervises children at all times they are on the bus and addresses any behavioral concerns with limited to no disruption for the bus driver. Encouraged to read books to the group, sing songs or find some quiet, creative way to keep them engaged during the route. Helps tidy up the bus after each route by picking up any loose items on the floor and sweeping as needed. Additionally, the monitor will assist the driver with the pre- and post-checks of the brake lights and turn signals. Assists with emergency evacuation drills as scheduled.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Per OHS requirement, must hold a valid Child Development Associate Certification (CDA) or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (AA) or be enrolled in a program leading to a CDA or AA within 2 years of employment start date.

LICENSE REQUIRED:

Valid Driver's License

Requirements: