Lead Teacher's Aide

Description

JOB SUMMARY: The Lead Teacher's Aide (TA) leads fellow TAs and assists all education staff in providing primarily behavioral support and structure to students. TAs may be asked to suggest behavioral intervention strategies to help set the tone for a conducive learning environment but may be asked to provide one-to-one instruction. The TA adheres to the positive behavior program, and supports various staff and students as needed.  Work hours begin in the dorm at 7:00am to 3:30pm on all instructional days; getting the students up, working with them through morning routines and breakfast and escorting them to school on time with everyone smiling.  Meets with the Education Director at the beginning and the end of the school day to communicate the status of the TA staff and the students as they transitioned from Group living. The Lead TA will work as a Mentor with the res-rec staff on non-instructional days guiding other TAs through daily programming.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

 1. Demonstrates the ability to intervene and communicate appropriately with adolescents.

 2.  Delivers specific behavioral interventions as required in each student's BIP (part of IEPs/ISPs).

 3. Assists teachers in implementing their lesson plans, ensuring instructional goals are met.

4. Assists teachers in providing academic accommodations and scaffolding lessons.

5. Implements and adheres to LRA’s positive behavior program, promoting a culture of respect and discipline.

 6. Enforces classroom rules, BIP expectations and provides appropriate feedback to teachers regarding student work.

 7. Holds students accountable for behavior in all locations while maintaining appropriate boundaries. 

 8. Conducts daily pre-shift meetings /communication under the direction of the education director to ensure proper flow of information and communication to TA’s: Precautions, filed trips, visits, illness and safety concerns (from shift report).

9. Meets with the Education Director at the beginning and the end of the school day to communicate the status of the TA staff and the students as they transitioned from the dorms.

 10. Listens carefully to students and team members, probing to clarify their specific needs or requests.

11. Fosters an inclusive and safe learning environment conducive to student behavior so all can learn.

12. Contributes suggestions to fellow staff as they implement interventions and instruction.

13. Works with teachers, therapists, and GL staff in preparing any reports going to referral sources and parents.

14. Assists students during Speech, Occupational Therapy, off-campus trips, and other related services.

15. Ensures proper ratio of staff to students and monitors transition and mealtimes.

16. Completes and incident report/ occurrence reports and makes appropriate notifications.

17. Communicates to department leaders regarding student behavior and or safety concerns and interventions from shift.

18. Assists school TAs in providing scaffolding and academic accommodations in the classrooms.

19. Assists the Education Director in collecting classroom attendance each class period.

20. Other duties as assigned by the Education Director.

CORE COMPETENCIES

 1. Completes work thoroughly, promptly and efficiently; managing multiple tasks as necessary.   

 2. Analyzes successes and shortcomings, then solves problems with determination and creativity.  

 3. Supports approved decisions, responsibly completing tasks with minimal supervision.  

 4. Holds self, fellow staff, and all students accountable for doing what is required; fulfilling commitments. 

 5. Makes well-informed decisions, consulting, when necessary, with others; implementing practical solutions.  

 6. Communicates collaboratively, acknowledging verbal requests, phone, text, and email messages quickly. 

 7. Reads and adheres to updated policies and procedures, promptly reporting violations to a supervisor.   

 8. Maintains confidentiality and models professionalism as a representative of LRA in all locations.        

 9. Follows all safety regulations and does not hesitate to suggest changes that might improve safety.  

10. Pursues continuous professional growth to enhance both student and personal performance.

11. Demonstrates an understanding of the LRA Positive Behavior Plan by consistently using it with students.  

12. Uses IEP, ISP and BIP objectives when planning instructional, recreation and residential activities.

13. Completes necessary documentation within times specified in policies and procedures.

14. Reviews critical incidents and participates in root-cause analysis as requested by the Compliance Officer.  

15. Supports and promotes the LRA values of diversity, equity and inclusion for all staff and students.

16. Greets all visitors, parents and reviewers with a smile and the utmost respect.  

17. Models ethical behavior when resolving misunderstandings, disagreements and conflicts.

18. Contributes to long-term planning as directed by the Education Director

19. Communicates daily with the Education Director regarding TAs and the students as they transition from the dorms to the school.

20. Responds positively to a supervisor's reasonable request to perform other duties.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

a.  High School Diploma/GED; Bachelor's degree preferred.

b.  Experience in working with adolescents.

c.  Knowledge of human behavior, social interactions, and psychology is beneficial.

d.  Strong oral and written communication skills.

e.  Proficient in telephone, computer, and face-to-face customer service skills.

 f.  Excellent interpersonal skills with staff and students

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

a.  Trained and able to safely manage student behaviors when hands-on is required.

b.  Frequent and clear communication, both verbal and written, with team members and employees.