Elementary School Teacher – ASD / Complex Needs

Exciting New Opportunity with SHINES (Specialized Health and Instruction to Nurture Exceptional Students)!

Our new SHINES program has begun and we’re ready to add a dedicated Elementary Educator devoted to serving students with ASD and/or other complex needs!! We have a referral list and are seeking the right people to add to this collaborative and supportive team.

The Elementary Educator is responsible for designing, adapting, and presenting Common Core State Standard aligned lesson plans to small groups and individual students. Under the supervision of the Curriculum Coordinator, this position will work closely with the SHINES Special Educator to provide experiential, sequential, and relevant learning opportunities to their student body. Together with the Special Educator, they will assess, monitor and report student progress; these two team members are likely to co-teach and co-plan units. By adhering to the SHINES behavior management system, the educator will implement classroom management strategies in cooperation with the Intensive Needs Behavior Interventionists (INBIs).

Essential Duties

• Model and utilize best practices in education of assigned students
• Inform, collaboratively develop, and implement a variety of instructional and intervention strategies as outlined in the assigned student’s Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) and individualized programming protocols.
• Provide timely feedback to colleagues during Individualized Plan of Care (IPC) development and revision periods.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of each assigned student’s IPC and Individualized Education Plan (IEP), implement accommodations as outlined therein.
• Be on time for the workday.

Academic

• Collect, maintain, and file on-going data required for timely submission of progress monitoring and billing (E.g. formative/summative assessments, work samples, etc.).
• Facilitate and implement statewide and formal assessments as required.
• Actively participate in the creation and implementation of the SHINES summer program.
• Provide training, support, and guidance for staff
• Develop and share substitute plans with SHINES Coordinator and others as requested.

Therapeutic and Behavior Services

• Manage the physical safety of students and others by utilizing antecedent management, de-escalation strategies, and physical interventions as trained and certified.
• Prepare for, respond to, and debrief crisis as necessary.
• Support development and maintenance of a positive learning environment by adhering to trauma informed approaches; model therapeutic relationships.
• Appropriately advocate for student by openly communicating needs, observations, and behavioral changes in a timely fashion; provide insights about effective interventions as well as strategies that could be modified.
• Provide transportation to and from community activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Administrative

• Complete all agency, billing, and program paperwork accurately, within the outlined timeframes and in accordance with federal and state mandates.
• Actively participate in variety of meetings as assigned (i.e.: Staff meeting, supervision, treatment team meetings, etc.).
• Actively engage in ongoing professional development such as agency, program, team or individual training.
• Actively participate in supervision meetings: bring agenda items, ask questions, share ideas.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Teaching Licensure in a related field is preferred, however a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in a subject area, close to and working toward licensure may be considered (unless otherwise dictated by the Agency of Education).
• Must have experience in human services delivery in settings serving children and families
• Experience supporting individuals with Autism and/or other complex needs.

Special Position Requirements

• This position is a Mandated Reporter, as such, is required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect to authorities.
• Clearance of Criminal Background Check, maintenance required.
• Must adhere to confidentiality expectations in all forms of communication.
• Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and daily access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle, required.
• Must be able to work effectively within the structure of the school, keeping Laraway ethics and conduct expectations in mind.
• Ability to complete and maintain Handle with Care verbal and physical certifications
• Ability to pass First Aid & CPR training and maintain certification
• Basic knowledge and ability to use word processing programs as well as standard communication tools such as telephone systems and e-mail.

Work/Physical Requirements

• Given the at-risk population served, the position requires ongoing training and preparedness in the execution of physical restraint techniques. This may require running to catch a student.
• The “Handle with Care” program specifies that individuals with back and neck limitations are likely to be hampered in the execution of the protocols and greatly increases risk of harm to self or student.
• Ability to engage with youth in a variety of activities ranging from art, music, cooking and physical activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor sports.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.

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Note: The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.