• This posting will remain open until filled, with initial screening to begin Tuesday, December 24, 2019
• This position is temporary for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year
• Location:  Tom McCall Upper Elementary School
• FTE: 1.0
• Approximate start date: January 21, 2020
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Job Title:     SPECIAL EDUCATION SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER TEACHER-TEMPORARY

Department:  STUDENT SERVICES

POSITION SUMMARY

The Social Empowerment Center is a part of the continuum of placement options for students who demonstrate significant behavioral challenges that prevent them from fully accessing the general education setting.  

The teacher for the Social Empowerment Center (SEC) plans and implements appropriate instruction and behavioral programs for students with Emotional Disturbances or students with emotional/behavioral needs identified on the IEP.  The SEC Teacher promotes and develops successful learning for students who are eligible for IDEA services, manages an assigned caseload, maintains regular communication with those students, their parents and appropriate staff members and is responsible for development, revision and implementation of IEPs.  Additionally, the SEC Teacher is responsible for monitoring and supporting instruction of students in a variety of learning environments and collaborating with general education teachers to allow for meaningful inclusion in the mainstream classroom. The SEC teacher oversees the work of classified instructional assistants assigned to the SEC program and leads/guides the work of these staff working with students assigned to the SEC Teacher’s caseload.  The SEC Teacher reports to the Director of Student Services or designated administrator and does not supervise any employees.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and implement service delivery models including individual and small group and classroom settings.
• Create an environment and provide instruction which engages students and enhances learning.
• Complete IDEA paperwork required in specified time and manner for students on caseload.
• Implement curriculum to meet the needs of students’ Individualized Education Plan.
• Implement a program approved classroom monitoring system, i.e., providing an environment where students learn lagging skills, with a particular focus on skills needed to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible.
• Communicate expectations and monitor and reinforce student behavior positively to facilitate learning.
• Develop and implement behavior plans as aligned with program model.
• Plan and lead experiential learning for students to reinforce program skills curricula.
• Provide direct instruction, assistance, and professional guidance to classroom instructional staff and support staff.
• Work with specialists to provide each student with full range of needed services.
• Maintain open communication with students, parents, and home school personnel by devising a regular system for communication.
• Demonstrate knowledge of elementary curriculum subject matters.
• Treat students with courtesy, personal dignity, confidentiality, and advocate for their needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in implementing Collaborative Problem Solving.
• Meet with staff in team meetings to formulate intervention strategies to address student needs.
• Maintain weekly lesson plan schedule for students.
• Understand and adhere to all mandatory reporting laws and report all suspicions of potential abuse, neglect, self-harm and/or endangerment of others.
• Provide therapeutic de-escalation, crisis management and physical intervention, according to OIS training, as needed to maintain safety of the program.
• Maintain consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Oregon Teaching License with special education endorsement or ability to obtain such license
• Bi-lingual preferred
• Extensive knowledge and ability to fulfill IDEA requirements
• Knowledge of and experience working with students with developmental disabilities
• Knowledge and training in Special Education law and best practice
• Knowledge and experience developing behavior intervention plans and implementing positive behavior supports
• Knowledge and training in Collaborative Problem Solving and experience with implementation in a public school setting
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job
• Computer Skills: General MS Windows, Google and word-processing skills
• Maintain integrity of confidential information relating to students, staff or district patrons; ability to maintain accurate and complete records
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals having educational, behavioral, and mental health needs, their families, service providers, and program personnel
• Ability to relate to students with mutual respect while carrying out a positive and effective program; ability to work affably with others
• Work as a team member, communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, pivot and crouch. The employee must be able to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. The employee must have the ability to perform physical management techniques on children. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

In a 6.5-8 hour work day, this job requires:

R- Rarely (Less than .5 hr per day) O-Occasionally (.5-2.5 hrs per day)

F-Frequently (2.5-5.5 hrs per day) C-Continually (5.5-8 hrs per day)

NA-Not applicable

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

• Work effectively with and respond to people from diverse cultures or background
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean, and appropriate professional manner for the assignment and work setting
• Confer regularly with immediate supervisor
• Follow all district policies, work procedures, and reasonable requests by proper authority

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to physically interact with students who are aggressive, emotional and/or unpredictable in their reactions. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally may be very loud. The work environment may be fast paced and emotionally demanding.

The Forest Grove School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status.

Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Director of Human Resources at the Forest Grove School District, 503-359-2414.