Special Education Teacher

Internal Posting

JOB LOCATION:  This a part time, non-benefits eligible position requires travel to county jails within the CSIU 5-county area to work with incarcerated youth.

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Incarcerated Youth

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Special Education Teacher Incarcerated Youth Instructor for county jails reports directly to the Education Program Supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placements.

JOB DEFINITION: The Special Education Teacher is responsible for the teaching needs based on student goals in county jails for individuals under the age of 21, identified as eligible to receive special education services, and as assigned by the Education Program Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                      

1. Develop and implement an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each student in the class including the recording of test information, student goals, and program goals.
2. Plan class activities and instruction based on IEP information and program goals.
3. Record student progress and attendance.
4. Maintain a good working relationship with the jail administration for the class site and /or the agencies facilitating adult education through funding, referral of students and/ or public relations.
5. Inform the Education Program Supervisor of problems, concerns, and recommendations relative to the operation of educating within the facilities.  

OTHER MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                                                           

1. Attend staff development seminars and workshops which are identified as important to operating an effective incarcerated youth classroom.
2. Assess students on an as needed basis with informal/formal procedures.
3. Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Minimum requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
• A valid Pennsylvania teacher certification in Special Education certification at the appropriate grade level is required if working in the following grade level assignments:

• Pre-K to Grade 8 = Special Education PK-12 or Special Education PK-8
• Grades 7-8 = Special Education PK-12, Special Education PK-8 or Special Education 7-12
• Grades 9-12 = Special Education PK-12 or Special Education 7-12

• Note: A candidate with a bachelor’s degree and willingness to obtain a Type 01 Long-Term Substitute Teacher with Educational Obligation emergency permit with education obligation in the area 9231-Special Education P-12 maybe be considered.

• Previous experience as an educator / teacher working with at-risk youth is preferred.
• Must exhibit an ability to communicate with adults and have knowledge of adult education instructional techniques.
• Possess an understanding of state and federal regulations as they pertain to special education.
• Possess the ability to direct, control, plan, and use good judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning.
• Demonstrated organizational, written and oral communications skills are essential.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills, teamwork and an ability to function independently required
• Effective operation of personal computers and email is an essential part of this position.
• Experience in social services with families or mental health is beneficial.
• Possess the ability to direct, control, plan, and use good judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning.
• Possess a functional knowledge of positive behavior management approaches.
• Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintain PDE certification requirements of Act 48 hours for the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS) specific five (5) year periods.
• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
• Participates in workshops/seminars to increase knowledge in special education/autism.
• Participates in training sessions on best use of IEP software.
• Participates in workshops/seminars to increase computer skills.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift and reposition students of varying weight is critical. Considerable bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting must be tolerated.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Ability to travel to various work county jail worksite locations and meetings as needed.

TIME REQUIREMENT: 

• This is a part-time non-exempt, non-benefits eligible position not to exceed 24 hours per week or in combination with any additional CSIU part-time positions. Additional working hours must be pre-approved by immediate supervisor.  This position follows a school-year calendar.
• Classes may involve working evening hours.
• Attendance at meetings and trainings may require overnight stays.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTILITY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU. 
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled “Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too” and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.