Special Education Teacher

JOB LOCATION

This is an itinerant position serving students in CSIU region districts.

JOB ASSIGNMENT

: Autistic Support - Itinerant

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

: The Special Education Teacher reports directly to the Program Supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement. The Special Education Teacher provides direction to the para-professionals assigned to the program.

JOB DEFINITION

A Special Education Teacher is responsible for student growth in the areas of social, emotional, communication and academics. Special Education in the itinerant autistic support assignment works with multidisciplinary teams of students who are diagnosed with autism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides strategies that will enable students to be successful in the regular education environment. Creates visual supports to meet individual student's needs. Arrange joint focused activities for the autistic child and peer(s). Provide instruction to the autistic child regarding social and emotional information. Consult with classroom teachers, parents, staff, administration, and agencies. Provide recommendations for environmental adaptations. Provide consultation to parents of the autistic child to enlist their support in meeting goals of the IEP. Act as a liaison between home and school to assist in monitoring the progress of the autistic child. Provide education and training to teachers, staff, teacher aides, families, and peers. Participate as a member of the MDE/IEP team. Collaborate with supporting agencies. Recommend curricular adaptations and modification to address meeting IEP goals and objectives. Recommend adaptations and modifications for structuring social situations to address meeting IEP goals and objectives. Participate in the development of the Behavior Intervention Plan process. Assist the district and the families in developing grade/building transition plans. Assist the family and district in the development of a plan to enhance participation in community activities (recreation/leisure, functional and vocational skills). Instruct and/or model social cueing, behavioral interventions and educational strategies. Provide literature, articles, information and resources regarding autism and services to families and staff members. Monitor the progress of the autistic child through observations, data collection and analysis, and interviews with staff and families. Maintain individual student tracking and billing information in a database that allows monthly submission of data in a timely and efficient manner. Print and submit in a timely manner the required paperwork associated with Medicaid billing.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Minimal requirement is a Bachelor's degree in education or special education. A valid Pennsylvania teacher certification in Special Education certification at the appropriate grade level is required if working in the following grade level assignments: Pre-K to Grade 8 = Special Education PK-12 or Special Education PK-8 Grades 7-8 = Special Education PK-12, Special Education PK-8 or Special Education 7-12 Grades 9-12 = Special Education PK-12 or Special Education 7-12 Minimum one (1) year of full time experience working in an itinerant autistic support educator role. Possess an understanding of state and federal regulations as they pertain to special education. The person holding this position will possess the ability to direct, control, plan and show judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning. Demonstrated organizational, written and oral communications skills are essential. Highly effective interpersonal skills, teamwork and an ability to function independently required. Effective operation of personal computers and email is an essential part of this position. Experience with social services, affiliated agencies or mental health is beneficial. Possess the ability to direct, control, plan, and use good judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning. Possess a functional knowledge of positive behavior management approaches. Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees. Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015). Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Maintain PDE certification requirements of Act 48 hours for the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS) specific five (5) year periods. In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques. Participates in workshops/seminars to increase knowledge in special education/autism. Participates in training sessions on best use of IEP software. Participates in workshops/seminars to increase computer skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary:

Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift and reposition students of varying weight is critical. Considerable bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting must be tolerated.

Dexterity:

Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).

Audio-Visual Requirements:

Within normal range with or without correction. Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.

Worksite Environment:

Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.

Mental demands:

Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines. The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Ability to travel to various work site locations (i.e. school, homes and school buildings) and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS

This is a full-time, exempt position working 188 day teacher contract and follows the schedule for which the position is assigned. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor. Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS

All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards. The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.