Special Education Teacher

Ellis, County of•Juvenile Services, TX

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher works under the general direction of the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) Administrator and closely with the Ellis County Juvenile Services Education Compliance Liaison. The position ensures that Special Education services are provided in JJAEP and Detention, and that services comply with state-mandated requirements and regulations, including those of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), Texas Family Code (TFC), Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Texas Administrative Code (TAC), as well as applicable additional state and federal requirements. The role supports students’ individualized education needs, assists teachers with behavior strategies, maintains related data and records, and coordinates with school and community partners. The position requires maintaining applicable certifications, professional standards, confidentiality, and regular attendance. The education program generally follows an approved school calendar, though attendance may be required outside the school operational year. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years of age.
Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Meet Texas Juvenile Justice Department criminal history employment guidelines.
Possess a bachelor’s degree in special education from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Maintain Special Education Certification.
Be proficient in laws and standards relating to education in JJAEP and juvenile detention settings.
Maintain CPR and First Aid Certification.
Maintain Handle with Care Certification.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrate organizational skills and attention to detail.
Have expertise in word processing, Excel spreadsheets, and database management.
Be able to perform the described physical demands, including activities such as standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and climbing, and exerting up to 100+ pounds of force occasionally and up to 40 pounds frequently, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Responsibilities

Maintain Special Education licensure through appropriate professional development and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.
Maintain thorough knowledge of Special Education requirements and certification.
Review and implement Special Education goals, accommodations, modifications, and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in accordance with students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
Assist teachers with proactive behavior strategies and replacement behavior ideas and techniques.
Maintain statistical and programmatic data related to students’ IEPs and report the data to appropriate entities.
Attend Manifestation Determination Reviews, Annual Review Dismissal (ARD) meetings, and other meetings related to students’ Special Education needs.
Maintain professional interactions with school counselors, juvenile probation officers, mental health personnel, TJJD, school agencies, and state officials.
Attend all School District Expulsion MDR Hearings.
Manage student behaviors.
Maintain knowledge of the educational platform used in JJAEP and Detention (EdgeEX via Edgenuity).
Meet with school officials and community resources as needed.
Assist youth entering or exiting JJAEP and/or Detention with transitions to their home school districts.
Assist with conducting intakes and orientations for youth entering JJAEP.
Maintain CPR and First Aid Certification.
Maintain Handle with Care Certification and implement student restraint techniques when needed.
Adhere to strict confidentiality and ethics standards.
Work independently and efficiently, demonstrating organizational skills and attention to detail.
Use word processing, Excel spreadsheets, and database management tools.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Maintain regular attendance and professionalism.