Teacher Support Specialist

About Our Program

The program serves the educational needs of Ädelbrook residents as well as day students from surrounding communities. With an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), we provide programming appropriate for students with a variety of learning, communication, social, behavioral and intellectual challenges. Our Cromwell location provides each student with a positive, individualized and highly engaging educational experience. In addition to the Extended School Year (ESY), we offer an Extended Day Program (EDP) throughout the school year.

Job Summary:

The Ädelbrook, Inc Teacher Support Specialist- Level One (TSS 1) provides guidance, supervision, mentoring, and life-skills training to youth who are students at the Learning Center (Cromwell, East Hartford, and Manchester as need dictates). The TSS 1 will input data, collaborate on behavioral and academic, and be responsible for the organization of classroom-based materials and structures. This position will involve PMT (Physical/Psychological Management Training) if a young person is attempting to hurt her/himself or another human being. This is a full-time, 219-day, non-exempt position. The TSS 1 reports directly to the designated Supervisor. In addition, the Teacher Support Staff-Level One reports directly to the teachers, as it will be the teachers who evaluate performance, in collaboration with one of the administrators in the building. The Teacher Support Specialist-Level One may be authorized to substitute teach in the event of a teacher's absence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures orderly behavior of youth from arrival at the school to their classroom.
• Assists teachers in small groups or 1:1 activities that engage students in learning activities as directed by the certified teacher, for the duration of the class.
• Interacts with students during learning activities and provides proactive positive reinforcement and behavioral strategies as required by the IEP.
• Implements teacher and BCBA-created behavioral plan and collects data as directed by the certified teacher, using appropriate logs, and other documentation. Writes clearly and concisely.
• Works directly with classroom teacher and other team members to implement classroom strategies for behavioral and academic supports to enhance student engagement and learning.
• Attends PPT meetings or provides information concerning student's progress as requested by the district or parent.
• Implements appropriate interventions that may require students to leave class for utilization of coping strategies or safety needs.
• Mediates interpersonal conflicts between students.
• Builds therapeutic relationships with youth to implement and support programming components within the youth's individual treatment plan and individual education plan.
• Teaches youth to manage their own behavior, building internal assets using boundaries, guidelines, roles, and rules.
• Uses PMT techniques to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment in the school. This includes the ability to implement preventative strategies and physical restraints only after all other methods of de-escalation have been attempted.
• Supervises students who are working outside of class due to academic or safety needs.
• Works cooperatively with teachers, other staff in the building, and building administrators to foster therapeutic and academic goals.
• Attends all required professional development training and staff meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student information.
• Abides by the agency Code of Ethics and displays exemplary role modeling while on the job.
• Follows agency recommendations, policies and procedures; participate in establishing such recommendations, as requested.
• Maintains composure and control while working with students.
• Follows classroom teacher assignments and fulfills duties/responsibilities in a timely fashion.
• May be asked to fill assignments across varying classrooms at supervisor direction.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of Education and Classroom Teacher.

Education, Experience and other Qualifications:

BA/BS Degree from a regionally accredited higher education program (preferred) or High school Diploma/GED plus successful completion of Parapro Assessment Testing, 20 months of accomplished service as a Special Education Para-Educator, as well as Qualified and Approved SDE ED174. The highly qualified candidate will have experience implementing behavioral support plans, de-escalation and proactive intervention strategies and IEP-directed programming. Ability to work with students and other employees from diverse ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Training in Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT), CPR and First Aid is required and provided upon hire. Must have a positive attitude, demonstrate good judgment, and the ability to develop rapport with students and other staff, as well as be willing to interact and work daily with students on academic tasks. Must be willing to learn and carry out the functions of a Positive Behavioral support system. Must be able to function as a part of a team and demonstrate flexibility in meeting program and individual needs as they occur. Candidate will provide a high level of intensive learning support to students.

Ädelbrook is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Accordingly, all decision affecting our staff are made on the basis of Ädelbrook's mission, personnel policies and applicable state and federal laws. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, ancestry, veteran status, national origin, marital status or handicap.