Alpha School, Education Specialist-Teacher

Job Title

Hours Required

Job Description and Hours

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

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 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 knowable of the state's reporting requirements. Understand and follow "school age only" center regulations and requirements. Work with the Assistant Teacher/Educational Program 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 severe behavior disordered students. 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 monitor, track, and record student progress on the Level System. 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. Develop, teach, and monitor student's academic programs in accordance with an Individualized Education Plan. Document student's behavioral and academic progress on a routine basis. Record data in report cards, home cards, quarterly reports, TPM (Teacher, Parent Meetings) reports, transition journals, and other required program or agency documentation. Review and correct student assignments for accuracy and grades. Provide for recreational activities for students. Work with the Assistant Teacher/Educational Program Specialist to provide a personal growth skills development program for students. 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. Responsible for maintaining contact with parents, guardians and collaterals. Responsible for collaboration and cooperation with other professionals who are working with the same clients. Coordinate student transition back to a less restrictive setting (e.g., public school) with the student, the student's parents, staff from public school (or other less restrictive setting), designated Alpha School staff, collaterals, and other program staff.

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

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.

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Education, Learning Disabled, Psychology, or related human services and a current Nebraska Teaching Certificate are required. A Special education endorsement is highly preferred. If not already endorsed in Special Education, the incumbent must be willing to complete required coursework and take a minimum of two (2) courses a fiscal year. Two (2) years experience with behaviorally impaired and emotionally disturbed children and adolescents is preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

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 teach/implement the students' educational and behavioral plans 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 video taping of performance. Ability to effectively and efficiently use computers and related software to perform job functions ant to develop visual aids and graphics applications. Ability to act as an appropriate role model: exhibiting responsible behaviors, neat and clean appearance, 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 develop Individualized Education Plans 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.

29. 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

Must meet and maintain physical requirements of the position which include 75 pound lifting requirement. Must be able to perform First Aid and CPR when needed. Ability to provide transportation to students, in a variety of weather and traffic conditions, in a safe, comfortable, and responsible manner in an agency van.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by jobholders within this job. But, this job description is not intended to be an inclusive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position and may be subject to revision.

JOB CLASSIFICATION:

Salary-exempt.

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