JOB LOCATION:  This position is located at Watsontown Children's Center located within the Warrior Run School District region. The anticipated start date of August 6, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Emotional Support

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Special Education Teacher reports directly to the Program Supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement. The Special Education Teacher provides direction to the para-professionals assigned to the program.

JOB DEFINITION:  The Special Education Teacher is responsible for promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of their students. The teacher will exercise initiative and judgment in providing an individualized educational program (IEP) to each student. The teacher will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team in the overall development of educational programs for students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides direction and daily management of paraprofessionals assigned to the program.
2. Collaborates with the IEP team to develop an educational program that will be directed toward the development of academic and social/emotional skills.
3. Collects and maintains appropriate data and information on students for the purpose of progress monitoring and instructional decision making.
4. Works with related service staff, parents, and agencies to incorporate the various disciplines into an educational program.
5. Maintains a healthy and safe classroom environment that facilitates the learning process for students with emotional disturbance.
6. Utilizes positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.
7. Displays competence in dealing with any physical and/or medical emergency which might arise.
8. Creates well structured objectives/lessons that are meaningful and adaptable to students with emotional disturbance.
9. Maintain regular home-school communication for the development of consistency and feedback in both the home and school situations.
10. Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Performs other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Minimal requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in education or 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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations (i.e. school, homes and school buildings) and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:  

1. This is a full-time, exempt position working 188 day teacher contract and follows the schedule for which the position is assigned.
2. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
3. Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY 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.