Instructional Assistant
Location: Richmond, VA
Vivos Academy
Hours: 8am - 4pm, Mon- Thur, Fri 8am-2pm

Vivos Academy is a licensed private special education high school located in Richmond, Virginia, serving students ages 14-22 throughout the Central Virginia region. We’re seeking a full time Instructional Assistant who would like to be part of a dynamic team. 

Fulfill the mission and vision of the program by assisting teachers and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA), in implementing behavior and academic programs for neurodiverse students in alignment with student IEP, BACB best practices and ethical code. This position is dedicated to facilitating communication, increasing social skills, academic skills, self-help skills and promoting independence. The Instructional Assistant will work closely with the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Special Education Teacher in implementing student IEP goals and decrease maladaptive behaviors that prevent the student from developing his/her full potential.

EXPECTATIONS:

Vivos Academy is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care, professionalism and integrity to all students and clients. All staff members will meet the following expectations:

JOB DUTIES:

· Provide 1:1 – 1:3 direct and group instruction based on the principles of ABA to neurodiverse students under the supervision of a BCBA and Teacher.

· Provide intense monitoring of student behavior as indicated on the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)/Individualized Instruction Plan (IIP) and carry out behavioral interventions as stated in the student’s Behavior Support Plan (BSP).

· Implement academic programs and IEP goals.

· Always supervise students closely to ensure the safety of students, peers and adults.

· Escort students to and from services throughout the school, as needed.

· Assist with training employees on new students as needed.

· Maintain appropriate documentation on outcomes of Catalyst programming and behavior analysis data and graphing.

· Model and encourage appropriate use of communication modes used by the student.

· Provide verbal support, prompting, redirection and modeling in helping the student access the activities of the school’s curriculum.

· Demonstrate initiative and creativity with students and their individual programs with approval of BCBA or Special Education Teacher.

· Provide support in crisis situations using Safety Care approved techniques as needed.

· Assist with conducting student assessments under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

· Work cooperatively with other staff to facilitate positive interactions for the students as well as follow instructions from a variety of staff members who are responsible for the student’s education.

· Assist with setup of classroom and preparation of materials for specialized instruction as needed.

· Prepare student’s daily data sheets, reinforcers, toys, and work areas each morning before student arrives.

· Attend and actively participate in regular team and staff meetings.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by assisting with daily chores and additional cleaning/organizational tasks as needed.

· Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: 
Requirements for the position include, but are not limited to, the following: 

· Bachelor's degree in human services field and experience working with students with disabilities is preferred.

· High School Diploma or equivalent, required.

· Prior ABA experience preferred.

· Prior Private Day School experience preferred.

· Ability to pass an extensive background check.

· Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

· Attention to detail and a collaborative, positive attitude

Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care (All training will be provided). 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant office productivity software. 
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, manipulate or handle controls, objects and or other materials; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop and kneel. May be required to use verbal, non-verbal and physical crisis prevention/intervention. May be required to lift up to 25 pounds and assist students with toileting and personal hygiene issues. 

BENEFITS:

• Dental insurance 

• Health insurance 

• Paid time off 

• Vision insurance 
  
  Pay Range: $17.00 - $25.00 an hour Depending on Experience, Education and Certification