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Posted August 23, 2026

Teacher Assistant (Diamond Minds TLA)

United Community Options of South Florida
Fort Lauderdale, FL, US Full Time

Job Description

Job Description

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.


Position Summary

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.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

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


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