Special Education Teacher, Special Education School

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary:

Wayfinder’s Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment in our state-certified, non-public school, teachers develop students’ communication, mobility and functional skills to increase their independence.

The primary focus of the Special Education Teacher is to implement an individualized, comprehensive program for students who are blind and multi-handicapped. The program should be based on the Critical Skills Model while focusing on the student's development of compensatory skills and self-esteem. The teacher is expected to involve parents/significant others in the student's program and will work under the direct supervision of the Principal of the Special Education School..

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participates in educational assessment by using selected tools and by involving parents, Designated Instructional Service Staff, and other relevant individuals.
• Develops students' Individualized Educational Programs with the assessment team, based on assessment findings and priorities identified by parents.
• Provides instructional activities, which are age-appropriate, functional, motivating, and which reflect I.E.P. goals.
• Provides diverse learning opportunities, such as, community-based instruction, daily living skills, arts and crafts, music and movement, vocational, social integration, swimming, and recreational activities.
• Keeps records and reports current, such as, class and individual schedules, lesson plans and data sheets, communication logs, and prepares progress reports on schedule.
• Uses a variety of instructional strategies which are appropriate for students who are blind, such as appropriate mobility techniques, verbal description/discussion of the physical and social environment, encouraging tactile examination and discrimination techniques, and the use of sensory cues.
• Assumes the responsibility for developing and coordinating a specific instructional area (recreational and physical education, kitchen skills and meal preparation, vocational skills) for the school.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master degree preferred.
• Must have or be able to qualify for a California Specialist Credential in the area of severely handicapped, visually handicapped or in a related area of special education.
• Valid California Driver’s License with a minimum of three (3) years of good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.