Alpha School, Educational Program Specialist-Assistant Teacher

Alpha•Omaha, NE

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position functions as a part of the Alpha School treatment and education team. The Assistant Teacher/Educational Program Specialist will assist in the development and implementation of individual and group behavior management programs, curricular programs, recreational programs, vocational programs, and other programs deemed necessary for the treatment and education of clients. This position will be responsible for both direct service and support service duties as determined by the Program Director. The Assistant Teacher/Education Program Specialist will have primary responsibility for the implementation of the personal growth program for students. This will include management of all student activities related to personal growth. For over 40 years, Alpha School has offered services for students in southeast Nebraska and Western Iowa who have not been successful in the public school system. Students are typically referred to Alpha school because they are physically aggressive, verbally aggressive, or display other behaviors that negatively impact their academic and/or social progress. Alpha School believes that troubled youth can change if they understand how change benefits them. We begin with the assumption our students have not mastered certain life skills and require participation in our skill development program utilizing a "learning by doing" model.

Requirements

Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Ability to organize responsibilities and time in an effective and efficient manner.
Ability to establish collaborative relationships and effectively work as part of a team in the program.
Ability to clearly, effectively and consistently communicate orally and in writing with staff, parents, students, and collaterals.
Ability to effectively identify and analyze problems, seek solutions and options, and act in a professional manner in new or unusual situations.
Ability to carry out behavioral and educational data tracking and measurements in an accurate, objective, and consistent manner.
Ability to read, understand, and effectively utilize written materials and instructions.
Ability to understand and consistently implement the students’ educational plans and to teach behavioral plans in an effective and professional manner.
Ability to complete required paperwork and documentation within a scheduled timeframe.
Ability to remain calm, take a proactive position regarding crisis prevention, and move to properly defuse potential crisis situations when they arise.
Ability to be proficient with and follow guidelines for time out, TAS, and physical crisis intervention.
Ability to consistently and effectively use the Program Behavior Management System: to include the point (token economy) and level systems.
Ability to use available resources in order to sustain continued growth and development. This includes, but is not limited to: performance feedback, educational course work, in-service training, training materials (journals, tapes, books, etc.), and videotaping of performance.
Ability to effectively and efficiently use computers and related software to perform job functions, develop visual aids and graphics applications, and teach basic subjects and skills.
Ability to act as an appropriate role model, exhibiting responsible behaviors, have a neat and clean appearance, be courtesy in daily interactions, and maintaining self-control.
Ability to work closely with students of all ages in classroom and recreational environments, as well as in time-out and time after school situations.
Ability to operate various forms of audio-visual equipment such as a video camera, DVD, VCR, tape player, projector, etc.
Ability to define problems, establish goals and objectives, properly select methods, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions in the development of the Individualized Education Plan(IEP), the Level IV Transition Plan, and other treatment plans as required.
Ability to teach specific skills to students that are needed to facilitate a return to a less restrictive setting (e.g., public school).
Ability to remain flexible in order to meet student and program needs.
Ability to define and distinguish behavioral and educational expectations based upon expected developmental milestones.
Ability to recognize and proactively respond to tasks and duties necessary for the ongoing operation of the program.
Possesses and maintains a valid driver’s license, with no major violations (including DUI) in the last five years and no more than three moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the last three years. Must report all moving violations, on or off duty, where a citation or ticket is issued to management within the next working day.
Ability to provide transportation in a safe, comfortable, responsible manner to persons served in an agency van. Transportation will be provided in a variety of weather and traffic conditions.
Ability to follow Emergency preparedness evacuation plans in the event of a fire, tornado or manmade/natural disaster.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related human services preferred.
Two (2) years experience with behaviorally impaired and emotionally disturbed children and adolescents is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reports to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis.
Must not appear on the APS/CPS Registry for abuse/neglect, or have been dismissed from prior employment due to suspected abuse/neglect. Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Must meet and maintain physical requirements of the position which include 75 pound lifting requirement.
Must maintain a certificate of completion in “Safe Kids Buckle Up” and use these procedures while transporting Alpha School students.
Must complete orientation in the Alpha School methods training for interacting with children and the Alpha School discipline policies and procedures.
Complete training in, and facilitate, good nutrition and food safety.
Display and teach infectious control practices including proper hand washing techniques, personal hygiene, and disposal of infectious materials.
Must possess and maintain certification concerning the identification of abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse of children, and be knowledgeable of the state’s reporting requirements.
Understand and follow “school-age-only” center regulations and requirements.
Work together with the Teacher/Educational Specialists and other program staff in the monitoring and supervision of students both in and out of the classrooms.
Maintain a high degree of confidentiality regarding client, personnel and administrative matters at all times.
Interact with professionals, staff, and students within a facility that treats students with sever behavior disorders.
Properly record behaviors on the Point Sheets using prescribed point fines and awards.
Tabulate point sheets at the end of each day, record points as required.
Accurately track and record outcome data as required.
Accurately monitor, track, and record student progress on the Level System.
Properly record point of service documents daily during the lunch period.
Implement proper behavior management procedures following policies and guidelines with students.
Develop and implement Goal Agreements with students that approximate to the goals and objectives of the IEP.
Develop contingency contracts with students that reinforce desired behaviors and are consistent with the goals and objectives of the IEP.
Properly complete required documentation contained in the weekly student packets in a timely manner.
Implement and monitor students’ academic programs as developed with the Teacher/Educational Specialist and the program supervisors.
Document students’ behavioral and academic progress on a routine basis. Record data in report cards, home cards, quarterly reports, TPM reports, narrative entries, and other required program or agency documentation.
Review and correct student assignments for accuracy and grades. Properly record student academic and personal growth grades.
Provide for recreational activities for students.
Responsible for teaching personal growth curriculum in classroom.
Responsible for purchase and maintenance of items in classroom store.
Conduct Time After School (TAS) according to procedures and guidelines as scheduled.
Attend and participate in meetings (staff meetings, TPM, ad hoc meetings, planning meetings, IEP, etc.) as scheduled and required.
Work with Teacher/Educational Specialists and other program staff to maintain contact with parents, guardians, and collaterals.
Responsible for collaboration and cooperation with other Education and/or Mental Health and/or Juvenile Justice staff who are working with the same clients.
Possesses and maintain a valid driver’s license, with no major violations (including DUI) in the last five years and no more than three moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the last three years. Must report all moving violations, on or off duty, where a citation or ticket is issued to management within the next working day.
Drive an agency van to transport students when needed or required.
Must maintain certification in basic First Aid and CPR.
Other duties as assigned.