Program Assistant Jobs in Bridgeport, CT (NOW HIRING)

Part Time, $22.25/hour

Make a Real Difference Every Day: Do you want a career where you directly impact lives, experiencing the deep fulfillment that comes from helping others and a strong sense of purpose?

Shift Available:  Part Time

8:30 am - 2 pm or 9:30 am - 3 pm (27.5 hours per week)

About Brightway Living & Learning: Brightway Living & Learning is a premier non-profit provider of human services on Long Island, including educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace. Discover more about our mission and our "All Ways Forward" approach at brightwayny.org.

The Role: Teaching Assistants in the Children’s Day Program are creative, energetic, career-oriented teaching professionals who are motivated to educate individuals with developmental disabilities in an ungraded self-contained classroom.  Teaching Assistants are offered on-going trainings and support provided by board certified behavior analysts and other qualified professionals to enhance and maximize career growth. Our school programs operate on a 12-month calendar.  This is a great opportunity to get valuable experience and knowledge working in a classroom and community setting following the principles of applied behavior analysis.

• Assist the teacher in directly implementing IEP’s.
• Collect student behavior and performance data as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in conducting basic instructional activities and in helping with the safety and supervision of students.
• Accept assignments in varying classes, in accordance with the need of the program to provide proper ratio in class groupings.
• Supervise the Substitute Teacher Assistant in the Teacher’s absence.
• Assist in student arrival from the busses and dismissal to the busses.
• Accompany assigned students if they leave the building for programmatic or emergency reasons.
• Be familiar and act in accordance with all policies contained in the School Age Program's Handbook for Staff.
• Participate in performance reviews/discussions.
• Other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma required
• Teaching Assistant 27.5(DDITA) must complete requirements outlined by NYSED and apply for Teaching Assistant Level I certification within 6 months of employment and receive certification within 1 year. This certification requires: Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, School Violence Prevention and Intervention, Dignity for All Students Act, NYSATAS Exam, Fingerprint Clearance, Application for TA certification and High School diploma

• Modify the area to secure the safety of the children i.e. move/push tables and other heavy objects up to 20 lbs. 
• Lift/move 20 lbs. (mats)
• Run after a student up to 500 feet. 
• Run to a classroom in need up to 500 feet. 
• Kneel, twist and bend
• Respond to fire alarms

Why You'll Love This Job:

• Build Meaningful Relationships: Develop strong connections with individuals and their families.
• Learn and Grow: Benefit from ongoing training and professional development.
• Be Part of a Supportive Team: Work with passionate and dedicated colleagues.
• Experience Job Satisfaction: Feel a deep sense of accomplishment knowing your work matters.

Here’s How We Support You:

• Comprehensive Paid Training: Get the skills you need to succeed.
• Exceptional Benefits: Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and EAP.
• Retirement Security: 403(b) retirement plan.
• Invest in Your Future: Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within Brightway Living & Learning.
• And More: Paid time off for school breaks!

If You Are:

• Empathic, compassionate, and patient
• Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic
• A good communicator and team player
• Passionate about making a difference

Then, we encourage you to apply and join the Brightway Living & Learning team!

When you join our team, you become part of the Brightway Living & Learning Family! Click here to watch our video to find out more about the Brightway Living & Learning Family.

Brightway Living & Learning is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to actual or perceived race, color, sex, pregnancy, reproductive decision making, gender expression or identity, national origin, disability, military status, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other group protected by federal, state or local law. We are committed to creating a deep sense of belonging and a culture where all applicants and employees feel welcomed, valued and respected. We are people inspired by purpose.