Summary: The Teaching Assistant (TA)/Paraprofessional is responsible for a variety of duties related to providing instruction and support to individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities under the supervision of a teacher. This position will implement the individual treatment and behavior plans of the individuals utilizing selected curriculum, will model appropriate behavior and interactions with individuals and staff, and will assist individuals by providing for special health care and personal care needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensures that the staff to individual ratio is maintained at all times.
• Assists Teacher with the assessment of the individual’s progress and/or implementing treatment plan objectives.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing both classroom and each individual’s goals and objectives.
• Implements under the supervision of the teacher, a curriculum or curricula that includes instructional programs, lesson plans, and activities for the purpose of addressing each individual’s goals and objectives as identified in their individual treatment plans.
• Assists the Teacher with implementing individual behavior plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Provides instruction in the most appropriate learning environment whether individually, or in small groups or large groups.
• Ensures that all individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their functional level.
• Records accurate and detailed documentation within required timeframes regarding each individual’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, personal care, behavior reports, and health and safety as required by the program. Additional documentation may be required when necessary.
• Provides and assists individuals by providing special health care and personal care needs.
• Maintains an organized and clean classroom that supports a safe and accessible learning environment and meets all mandated requirements.
• Addresses challenging behaviors proactively and utilizes positive behavior intervention to manage and promote improved behavior.
• Monitors individual’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. classroom schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Monitors the location of the individuals served at all times.
• Respond to and report unsafe conditions, environment and equipment to the Teacher or a Director verbally and in writing.
• Observe individuals for injury or bruises. Follow incident reporting procedures including documentation and submitting report to the Teacher or a Director.
• Evaluates the individual for changes in emotional and/or physical status and reports to the Teacher or a Director.
• Ensures that each individuals’ rights are protected.
• Uses person first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for the responsibilities of the position.

Availability:

• Comply with work schedule as assigned by Supervisor. The work schedule and location may vary with little to no notice based upon workload and organizational needs.
• Arrive prepared for scheduled or assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Clock in and out before and after every shift.
• Ensure that the staff to individual served ratio as required by regulatory agencies is met at all times. A Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional identified as part of the employee to individual ratio may be asked to complete a scheduled work shift without an unpaid meal break.
• Comply with Easterseals and program attendance and leave procedures.

Interpersonal Relationships:

• Use a team approach to support and improve the health, behavioral and learning needs of the individuals served.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with all individuals served, families, co-workers and administrative staff at all times.
• Provide a timely and professional response and/or action to individuals served, their families, caregivers and other stakeholders.

Training:

• Complete annual training as required by Easterseals Arkansas and program licensing agency by participation in training offered by Easterseals, licensing agency, other sources and self-study.
• Use tools and information from training to enhance the quality of services.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Compliance/HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.

Employee has access to all individual protected health information of the individuals directly served by this person, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals receiving services with diverse ability levels and employees with diverse experience and knowledge levels.
• Ability to be self-directed, creative and to take initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

First Aid and CPR certification within the first 90 days and maintained throughout employment.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Ability to lift and transfer individuals according to weight guidelines for lifting.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and see, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Employee will refer to the Individual’s treatment plan for guidance when lifting or moving an individual greater than 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts such as those in wheelchairs, standers, wheelchair lifts, etc. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a “non-safety sensitive” position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.