Job Description

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Teacher Aides/ Teaching Assistants to substitute for our Middletown education programs. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all children at every level of ability. This position will attend to the daily needs of the students and assist the teacher in carrying out classroom activities.

Schedule:

Monday- Friday 8:30am-3:30pm, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program) This is an as needed position with a flexible schedule.

Pay Range:

Substitute Teacher Aide: $16.88 - $18.88 per hour

Certified Substitute Teaching Assistant: $17.82 - $19.05

Responsibilities:

• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student’s goals are achieved.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Keep student’s workstations/areas organized.
• Assist in the construction of teacher-developed materials.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom in order to provide a conducive learning environment.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.)
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in self-dressing and undressing.
• Perform wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring and lifting.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary. This should be done at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary.)
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.
• Change diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Set out lunches and adaptive feeding equipment and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Cut up or mash food as required and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Feed students following OT procedures and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in self-feeding.
• Wash all feeding equipment and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in washing dishes and utensils.
• Put on and remove ankle-foot orthotics’ (AFOs), arm and hand splints, support, harnesses, neck braces, head pointers, etc.
• Lift, place, secure and remove students from prone boards.
• Set up computers, communication device systems and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Requirements

Teacher Aide:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience within early childhood and special education (preferred)
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Teaching Assistants:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• NYS Teacher Assistant Certification.
• Experience working with children and/or people with disabilities a plus!

A Note on Qualifications:

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization