Special Education Teacher (School for Autism)

Pressley Ridge Career • Pittsburgh, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Teacher (SET) is responsible for collaborating within the classroom team in the development, implementation, and monitoring of effective, individualized academic and behavioral programming for students. Addresses the unique educational, communication, and social/emotional needs of the student with hearing loss and provides support/guidance to the team.

Requirements

• PA State Teacher Certification in special education.
• For School for the Deaf, requires Education and Hearing-Impaired Certification.
• A bachelor’s degree in special education.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) within two (2) years of employment for the School for the Deaf.
• Valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance.
• State Police Clearances
• FBI Clearances
• Child Abuse Clearances
• Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training certificate and/or statement

Nice To Haves

• None

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and reviews Student Support Plans (SSP) in collaboration with the classroom team.
• Develops and implements a classroom/behavioral management system in collaboration with the classroom team.
• Establishes and maintains rapport with supervisors, family members, students, and colleagues inside and outside of the organization.
• Instructs students in all content areas as well as areas specified in IEP through individual, group, and experiential interactions.
• Practices attentively and active listening.
• Understands and uses body language effectively.
• Solves problems effectively; makes decisions based on facts, experience, and good judgement; comes up with alternative approaches to meet needs.
• Utilizes support teams for student interventions.
• Develops and completes lesson plans, grades, and progress monitoring weekly and report cards quarterly.
• Manages switching from one system to another within the classroom setting.
• Prepares students to transition from school into work and/or community environments.
• Demonstrates a proficient level of cultural sensitivity.
• Build positive and productive relationships with a diverse population.
• Adheres to Pressley Ridge values and Re-ED principles and acts in line with those values.
• Demonstrates empathy and active listening skills.
• Develops, implements, and reviews Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each student.
• Completes designated assessment forms, as required.
• Develops and implements daily group and individualized lesson plans for each student utilizing provided curriculum and supplemental materials.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with kids and families.
• Participates in all regularly scheduled in-service programs.
• Presents in a professional demeanor, appearance, and positive attitude; adheres to rules for confidentiality; uses constructive criticism effectively; maintains appropriate boundaries; and adheres to policies and procedures.
• Use time efficiently and plans well; concentrates effort of important priorities while attending to a broad range of unrelated activities.
• Writes and speaks clearly in a professional manner on a level appropriate for the intended recipient.
• Communicate with parents and home districts regarding student progress, meetings, and visits in various communication mediums.
• Utilizes technology resources such as smart phones, computers, web-based systems, Electronic Health Record (EHR), school information systems, and IEP Writer.
• Tracks, graphs, and reports data for students.
• Receive supervision.
• Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
• Works independently without close supervision and is self-motivated.
• Follows financial constraint of the classroom/school budget.
• Serves periodically on program committees, with the approval of the Program Director.
• Attends periodically local, state, or national conferences and workshops, with the approval of the Program Director.
• Provides in-service training to Pressley Ridge programs, with the approval of the Program Director.
• Obtains and maintains professional certification as required by Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
• Detects and remediate, with approval of Coordinator, if necessary, any potentially dangerous environmental conditions.
• Implements school wide policies, procedures, and interventions.
• Understands the threat assessment process.
• Follows designated program policy regarding the documentation of critical incidents.
• Follows program-designated procedures for all physical contact with students.
• Follows program-designated procedures for student illness and injury, including arranging necessary medical care and informing appropriate persons of the situation, and documenting the injury/illness and actions taken.
• Assist other staff, as needed, in interventions (TCI, Ukeru) to protect students and staff from injury.
• Transports students when needed and maintain safe driving procedures.

Benefits

• Medical coverage available with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
• Prescription coverage
• Dental and vision plans
• Patient advocate and Medicare specialists available at no cost
• Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account
• Wellness incentive (up to $250)
• 403b with up to 9% employer give/match
• Free life insurance and AD&D
• Paid sick time (up to 15 days)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Tuition reimbursement (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

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