Pillar Care Continuum Inc·Livingston, New Jersey
The Teacher Assistant will support the teaching team in delivering individualized educational programs and therapeutic interventions for students with disabilities. Responsibilities include assisting with academic instruction, daily living skills, behavior management, and maintaining a safe, positive classroom environment.
Position: Teacher Assistant
Locations: Livingston, NJ (Pillar Elementary School)
Status: Full Time
$18.50 Hourly
Pillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grown and now delivers life-affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations. Pillar Care provides specialized programs to meet a wide range of educational, therapeutic, and social needs of people with various disabilities. The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full- and part-time employees.
Pillar Elementary School, an approved private school for students with disabilities, is seeking a dedicated full-time Teacher Assistant to support our dedicated teaching team in delivering high-quality education and individualized support. The Teacher Assistant will work closely with the Teacher of the Handicapped, assisting in planning and executing educational programs tailored to the needs of students. This role plays a vital part in fostering student independence, socialization, and self-esteem while supporting instructional activities and therapeutic interventions.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in all areas of instruction, including academics, daily routines, special classes, assemblies, therapy groups (aquatic, hippo therapy, etc.), and other school activities.
Support students with daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, and hygiene while promoting independence.
Adapt instructional materials and activities based on individualized student needs and learning programs.
Follow teacher and team directions, working independently to implement lesson plans and classroom activities.
Apply effective behavior management strategies as per school guidelines.
Assist students during arrival and departure from buses, ensuring safety and supervision.
Implement therapist recommendations, including sensory diets, AAC communication strategies, and therapeutic IEP goals.
Maintain a professional and positive classroom environment, serving as a role model for students.
Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and professional development training.
Perform additional related duties as required.
committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Pillar Care | Special Needs Schools NJ (pillarnj.org) [https://pillarnj.org/services/special-needs-schools/]
$ 18.50 Hourly
Pillar Care takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s work
experience and qualification as well as the scope of the role,
complexity and external market and internal market value when
determining salary level.
Competitive Insurance Benefits: (Medical, Dental, Vision, EAP, Life Insurance)
Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account: Paid Holidays; Generous PTO
401K with Employer Matching
This job description is a brief listing of the functions and requirements of the position named above. It is not intended to serve as a contract for employment nor to list in specific detail every aspect of the job nor to limit the performance of those duties. Other tasks may be assigned as deemed necessary by agency administration.
Every Pillar Care employee is responsible for the implementation of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP). As specified in our exposure control plan this position is classified as: Category 2
Category 2
Employees who perform tasks that involve no exposure to blood ·or body fluids but may perform unplanned procedures usually performed by Category I employees.
$18.50 hourly Monday- Friday 8: 15 am-3:15 pm
Candidates must possess a high school diploma, with college coursework and experience working with children with special needs preferred. Applicants must be eligible for a Substitute Certificate and successfully pass a fingerprinting and criminal history background check.
Market context
Classroom teacher roles in New Jersey are typically in steady demand, especially in core subjects like English. Competition can be strong because districts often look for candidates with the correct New Jersey certification, a bachelor’s degree, and classroom readiness; the posted benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability coverage. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to show your certification status and relevant English instruction experience.