Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Eden is a community-services provider and not-for-profit organization, serving children and adults with autism for over 40 years. Founded in 1975, Eden began as a small, family-oriented school for individuals with autism and today offers classes from pre-K through age 21. In addition, Eden provides services for adults with autism including residential and employment programs, as well as providing clinical and training support for families and professionals.

Introduction

We have an exciting career opportunity for a Teaching Assistant (12 months position)who will provide teaching and behavior reduction programs for students with autism in an educational and community setting in order to meet individual therapeutic needs. The highly talented individual must demonstrate a passionate commitment to Eden’s mission and the desire to deliver in a high-value and mission-driven organization.

Primary Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are to be performed under the direct supervision of a Certified Teacher.

Teaching and Behavior Management

• Assist Lead Teacher in providing individual attention to student(s) during individual and group sessions.
• Identify appropriate and inappropriate student behaviors and acquire baseline data.
• Implement Individual Education Program (IEP) goals (teaching and reducing behavior) using behavioral model appropriately and consistently.
• Management of maladaptive behaviors appropriately, including tantrums, self-injury, and aggression.
• Prepare daily tasks and materials, including baseline of program.
• Record and measure effectiveness of programs and mastery level by collecting teaching and behavior management data, and maintaining graphs for all teaching and behavior programs.
• Assist Lead Teacher with functional analysis of behavior.
• Develop and implement age appropriate reinforcement menu and system.
• Build positive relationships with students; recognize and respect the rights of students.
• Participate in Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings as needed.

Report Writing and Program Development

• Develop progress reports with detailed analysis of progress and problem areas on student’s program four times per year and submit to Lead Teacher.
• Maintain updated IEPs according to outlined schedule provided by the Managing Director.
• Prepare summaries to provide in-depth analysis of progress and problem areas.

· Keep an updated student work profile for each student in the program

Communication with Staff and Parents

• Build collaborative relationships with all staff members; provide timely feedback as needed.
• Maintain professional demeanor and ensure confidentiality with regard to students, families, and staff.
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Review each group activity on an annual basis and provide feedback to staff on at least two activities.
• Attend and participate in weekly meetings with supervisor.

• Maintain positive and professional rapport with families through daily notes or phone calls.
• Prescribe programs appropriate to the home setting (with the assistance of the home consultant or supervisor).
• Evaluate progress or programs at home on a monthly basis.

• Assist in parent training practicum during the parent’s school visits, when appropriate.
• Write reports indicating programs and progress within one working day of each home visit.

Job Requirements

Education: High school diploma required; full-time status in an approved university or college program in special education or related field; Bachelor’s degree in special education or related field strongly preferred.

Experience: 0 – 2 years’ experience working with students with autism

Physical and Other Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, kneel, stretch, stoop, and/or reach above shoulder level for extended periods of time (up to 30 minutes) during the work day.
• Vision requirements to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass and maintain Professional Crisis Management (PCM) certification at a P2 level on an annual basis, including implementation of all strategies and techniques.
• Ability to move or be moved freely and quickly to ensure the safety of students/participants at all times.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:

• Competent in applied behavior analysis; familiar with behavior and teaching methodologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail to ensure accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, exercise independent judgment, and make appropriate decisions based on established policies and procedures.
• Discretion in dealing with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently, as well as work as a member of a team.
• Ability to take direction and think through processes and procedures, and make recommendations for improvement as necessary to ensure a smooth operation.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Employee Benefits

Eden offers a comprehensive salary and well-rounded benefits package including medical and dental, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and more.

Background Check

The qualified candidate must successfully complete a background check, including criminal check and fingerprinting, mandatory drug testing, motor vehicle check (if applicable), reference checks, salary verification, and completion of a medical/ health physical and mantoux test.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination card, or receive 1st vaccine shot within 30 days of hire date.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume along with a cover letter to: Tanya Sacco, School Support Coordinator at Tanya.Sacco@edenautism.org.

Eden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Cover Letter: Required
Resume: Required

Salary Requirements: Required