Teaching Assistant - Classroom Support Specialist - Elementary and Middle School Education

Join Our Dedicated Team as a Teaching Assistant - Classroom Support Specialist

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant - Classroom Support Specialist to join our team at Villa Maria School. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in providing support to students with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges in an elementary and middle school setting. This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and be part of a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care.

About Catholic Charities of Baltimore and Villa Maria School

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is a leading provider of social services and support to individuals and families in need. Our mission is to promote the dignity and well-being of all people, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Villa Maria School is a specialized educational program that provides services to students with significant emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges. Our school is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Teaching Assistant - Classroom Support Specialist to provide support to students with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges in an elementary and middle school setting. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting teachers in the classroom, providing individual and small-group instruction, and supporting students with daily living activities. This is a hybrid role that offers the flexibility to work from our remote office and home.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in the classroom by implementing lesson plans and providing individual or small-group instruction to ensure that curriculum and IEP goals are met
• Provide support to students with daily living activities, including escorting them within and between buildings and to and from various appointments
• Implement the agency's CARE philosophy, approved behavioral intervention and support system, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Provide crisis intervention, including recognizing and deescalating problem situations and providing resolution
• Communicate effectively with teachers, parents, therapists, and counselors to ensure that students receive the support they need
• Perform other duties as assigned, including serving as a substitute for absent teachers and driving students for appointments and field trips

Essential Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 1 year of experience working with special populations preferred
• Successful completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) within 6 months of hire
• Ability to relate to severely emotionally disabled children in a sensitive, understanding, and insightful manner
• Good relational skills with a courteous demeanor toward staff, clients, and visitors
• Ability to utilize computer systems and software necessary to perform position functions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an educational setting or with students with special needs
• Knowledge of behavioral intervention and support systems
• Experience with crisis intervention and deescalation techniques

Skills and Competencies

• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to assess and document information for incident reports and Behavior Management documents
• Ability to apply the most effective yet least restrictive intervention within established therapeutic goals
• Physical ability to intervene and restrain children in crisis situations
• Ability to drive (agency and/or personal vehicle) and transport students

Work Environment and Culture

Our work environment is trauma-informed and focused on promoting a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive to all employees. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we offer a range of benefits and opportunities for growth and development.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive salary: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a discretionary employer contribution
• Paid parental leave

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

We are committed to the growth and development of our employees and offer a range of opportunities for training and professional development. Our employees have access to:

• On-the-job training and mentorship
• Professional development workshops and conferences
• Tuition advancement and education assistance
• Leadership development opportunities

Why Join Our Team?

We are a trauma-informed care organization that promotes a culture of safety, empowerment, healing, and self-care. We believe that every person has infinite worth and promise, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our students and the community we serve. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we offer a range of benefits and opportunities for growth and development.

How to Apply

If you are a compassionate and dedicated individual who is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of students with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!