Education Specialist

Altus Schools • Riverside County, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Altus Schools seek a competent, energetic, student-centered Education Specialist to support students with special needs in a personalized educational program. Altus serves students in grades TK–12 through a University Model combining independent study with scheduled tutoring, labs, and tutorials at resource centers. The course of study is based on the California State Framework, and the position supports student progress through individualized instruction, assessment, collaboration, and planning.

The Education Specialist develops and implements Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), evaluates students, coordinates services, maintains compliant special education records, and works with instructional staff, families, and outside agencies. The role also supports general education staff with Personalized Education Plans, curriculum adaptations, instructional strategies, and student engagement. Additional responsibilities include community outreach, marketing, and retention activities.

This is a 12-month, 228-work-day contract and is 100% onsite, Monday through Friday. Candidates select a preferred Altus School location. The working environment is indoors in an office setting, with exposure to computer screens, and the role includes driving to resource centers, external venues, and staff meetings.

Candidates must hold a California Clear or Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential in Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs, and CLAD Certification or ELA 1 Authorization. A master’s degree is preferred. The position requires a California driver’s license and reliable transportation, TB clearance, and DOJ/FBI fingerprint and background clearance.

Employees receive medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance, plus voluntary employee-paid benefits. Coverage begins the first day of the month following 60 days of employment; the listed benefits are 100% employer-paid for the employee and eligible dependents. The position contributes to CalSTRS, and Altus offers a free Teacher Induction Program to teachers with a preliminary Single- or Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential.

Requirements

• Knowledge of common disabilities and instructional strategies.
• Knowledge of executive functioning instruction and support for social skills development.
• Knowledge of formal academic assessment tools in reading, language arts, and mathematics, such as the WJIV and KTEA.
• Knowledge of strategies for student motivation.
• Knowledge of instructional strategies involving computerization.
• Knowledge of secondary curriculum, including advanced mathematics.
• Knowledge of cooperative learning models and Universal Design for Learning.
• Knowledge of IEP timelines and procedures and laws and regulations related to special education.
• Ability to work with students from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• TB clearance.
• DOJ and FBI criminal justice fingerprint/background clearance.
• California Clear or Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential in Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs.
• CLAD Certification or ELA 1 Authorization.
• Three letters of recommendation on letterhead, written within the past two years, including one from a direct supervisor.
• Copy of unofficial or official college transcripts for all coursework completed, credential copy, cover letter, and resume.

Nice To Haves

• SEIS knowledge preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Write and implement all components of students’ Individualized Education Plans.
• Develop educational plans to meet the individual needs of learners.
• Evaluate students to identify needs and maintain accurate records.
• Teach and instruct students to support progress toward goals and objectives.
• Coordinate services for students as specified in their IEPs.
• Consult and collaborate with staff, parents, and non-public agencies to ensure appropriate service delivery.
• Maintain accurate special education records and meet special education compliance timelines.
• Conduct home visits as necessary to enhance student engagement.
• Contribute to and collaborate with the special education department.
• Participate in a department focused on curriculum, college and career readiness, equity and inclusion, or data and technology systems integration.
• Create and maintain community partnerships and participate in the organization’s marketing plan.
• Administer, score, and interpret academic assessments, and develop applicable goals and objectives for student services.
• Support general education staff in developing an individualized Pathways Personalized Education Plan (PPEP) for each student.
• Provide consultation to regular Resource Center Instructors and ancillary staff.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional strategies and techniques, and adjust instruction and delivery as needed.
• Work with teachers to develop and maintain teaming and communication.
• Modify core curriculum and implement appropriate teaching strategies.
• Develop, implement, and participate in ongoing marketing and community outreach activities and events to inform students and parents about the school as a free public option.
• Develop, implement, and participate in ongoing student retention activities and strategies to support continued academic engagement and prevent students from dropping out.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment on issues that significantly affect special education student outcomes.
• Maintain consistent and regular attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned or changed, with or without notice.

Benefits

• Medical insurance, 100% employer-paid for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Dental insurance, 100% employer-paid for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Vision insurance, 100% employer-paid for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Chiropractic coverage, 100% employer-paid for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Life insurance, 100% employer-paid for the employee and eligible dependents.
• Employee-paid voluntary benefits.
• CalSTRS retirement contribution.
• Free Teacher Induction Program for teachers with a preliminary Single- or Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level