United Community Options of South Florida·Plantation, Florida
Provide direct classroom support to students with developmental disabilities, assisting with educational activities and behavioral support. Help students develop academic, social, and emotional skills while assisting with daily living tasks and hygiene.
Teacher's Assistant (Achievement Specialist) Diamond Minds Transitional Learning Academy | Miami Gardens, FL
Help Children Learn, Grow, and Thrive Every Day
United Community Options of South Florida (UCO), formerly United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida, is seeking compassionate, energetic, and dependable individuals to join our team as a Teacher's Assistant (Achievement Specialist).
At Diamond Minds Transitional Learning Academy, you'll work alongside dedicated educators to support children with developmental and intellectual disabilities in a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. If you're passionate about helping children reach their full potential and want a career with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.
Learn more about United Community Options of South Florida by visiting https://ucosouthflorida.org.
The Teacher's Assistant (Achievement Specialist) provides direct classroom support to students with developmental disabilities by assisting with educational activities, behavioral support, daily living skills, and recreational programming. This role helps create a positive learning environment where students can develop academically, socially, and emotionally while promoting independence and confidence. Essential Responsibilities Assist students with classroom instruction, educational activities, and hands-on learning. Support recreational activities, life skills instruction, and community-based learning opportunities. Provide individualized assistance using adaptive equipment and hand-over-hand guidance when appropriate. Assist students during classroom transitions and throughout the school day. Encourage positive communication, social interaction, and age-appropriate behavior. Support students with feeding, toileting, diapering, hygiene, lifting, positioning, and transfers as needed. Observe students for changes in health, behavior, or emotional well-being and promptly report concerns to the Site Coordinator. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom while following infection control procedures. Implement behavior support strategies consistent with student plans and organizational guidelines. Utilize electronic devices to record attendance and parent/guardian sign-in and sign-out. Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development. Maintain confidentiality and uphold the privacy of students and families. Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
Required High school diploma or GED. Ability to work effectively with children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to lift, position, and assist students as required. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Preferred Experience working in a classroom, childcare, special education, or human services setting. CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole) is a plus. Schedule Full-Time Monday-Friday In-person Location: Miami Gardens, FL 33169
United Community Options of South Florida offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) 401(k) with Company Match Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional Development Opportunities Employee Referral Program Employee Discounts Retirement Plan Why Join United Community Options? When you join UCO, you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives. Our team members make a difference every day by creating opportunities for learning, inclusion, and personal growth. If you're looking for a rewarding career where your compassion and dedication truly matter, we encourage you to apply.
To learn more about our mission and the individuals we serve, visit https://ucosouthflorida.org. Join our team and help inspire achievement, independence, and success—one child at a time.
Employment status Full-time / Part-time / On-call (Per Diem)
Equal Opportunity Employer United Community Options of South Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Join our mission and help make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Apply today!
Indeed code: #MS
Requires a high school diploma or GED and the ability to work with children with intellectual disabilities. Candidates must be able to lift and position students and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Market context
Florida schools regularly seek classroom teachers, especially candidates who can lead instruction, plan lessons, and meet state certification and screening requirements. Competition often centers on classroom experience, subject fit, and readiness to complete Florida’s background check and education requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and prepare examples of lesson planning and classroom management before applying.
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