Teacher Assistant (special needs program)

GET TO KNOW US

For more than a century, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has been dedicated to supporting children and families across Los Angeles County through high-quality programs and compassionate care. Our goal is to help children and families build strong foundations that support growth, stability, and meaningful opportunities throughout their lives.

Many of the individuals we serve have faced long-standing challenges, and we are committed to meeting families where they are with respect and understanding. Vista Del Mar is guided by values centered on growth, opportunity, fairness, and excellence in service.

OUR CULTURE

At Vista Del Mar, our work is strengthened by the people we serve and the dedicated staff who support them. We strive to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, care, and respect. We recognize that personal experiences and life circumstances shape how individuals engage within their communities, and we actively work to reduce barriers while improving access and outcomes for families.

Vista Del Mar is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in care, collaboration, professional growth, and mutual support, where each individual feels welcomed and valued. We believe meaningful action is the foundation of lasting trust. We welcome qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

Relevant professional and lived experience that supports effective service delivery to children and families is valued. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.

MISSION

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

• The Teacher Assistant
• Non-Public School (NPS)
• Vista School is responsible for assisting the teacher in developing and carrying out curriculum and behavior modification systems for emotionally disturbed children/adolescents.

Bachelor's Degree is required-

• Adhering to the following standards of professionalism: Being on time as scheduled signing in upon arrival, and when leaving each day, notifying immediate supervisor and signing out; b) Upon arrival to work, checking in with immediate supervisor (teacher) for daily briefing.
• Presenting a positive attitude toward work by demonstrating effort and initiative.
• Working effectively with the teacher and other school staff by maintaining effective communication regarding students and other work-related matters and assisting to maintain consistent behavior management programs and matters related to academic curriculum.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the Special Education population and continuing to develop skills and knowledge in working with Special Education students.
• Attending required meeting, in-services, and trainings for continued professional growth.
• Relating to co-workers professionally and helping to maintain staff morale; Handling anger appropriately and not engaging in power struggles.
• Modeling the appropriate behavior that is expected of us as well as the students; Establishing and maintaining clear and appropriate physical and verbal boundaries with the students; Maintaining the confidentiality of every student.
• Being timely, accurate, and inclusive in the following areas of documentation:
• Submission of UOR's and Incident Reports when needed.
• Collection of data for Treatment Plan Reviews, NPS Progress Reports, and other data regarding students as needed, and assisting the teacher in assembling reports.
• Consistently and accurately maintain Class Attendance Record, Student Store information, confidential student files/documents, and other classroom files.
• Issuing and completing point sheets; Ordering and maintaining inventory of classroom supplies and forms/documents needed.
• Daily communication forms with the necessary staff when needed.
• Writing in a neat and professional manner.
• Demonstrating competency in the following areas of instruction.
• Driving will be required on occasions.

What You Bring To VDM

• Experience with emotionally disturbed/autistic children and adolescents preferred.
• Some classrooms or recreational experience preferred.
• Ability to hear and verbally communicate with others.
• Ability to interrupt physical altercations among students and administer CPR/First Aid.
• May be required to obtain a Class B driver's license.
• BA required - 30 days to receive credentials.

Pay Rate: $19 - $22.30 per hour

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offer (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through the Standard
• 403(b) - 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days

Vista Del Mar's Credentials

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.