Job Description

We are seeking a Substitute Teacher for Thresholds High School! Thresholds High School is an Illinois State Board of Education certified Therapeutic Day School for students ages 16 to 21 years old with ongoing serious mental health needs. The Thresholds High School provides a distinct combination of flexibility and support in order to help students achieve both their high school diploma and their transition goals.

Because students come from a multitude of suburban and Chicago home districts, Thresholds High School works closely with these school districts to ensure that students are successful in meeting their personal and Individual Education Plan goals, increasing academic achievement, graduating, and preparing for their next steps. Students take advantage of the robust Thresholds vocational services, which provides evidence-based Supported Employment and Supported Education for postsecondary endeavors. Students also benefit from the Young Adult Program’s rich therapeutic supports that address anxiety, frustration, school refusal, and other issues that derailed their academic success in other schools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assumes a leadership role in the program with direct responsibility for the supervision of all students in the classroom or as assigned.
• Follows existing curriculum guidelines of school district and state requirements. Actual curriculum must often be tailored for three or more levels of academic ability and previous achievement.
• Prepares assignments and lesson plans weekly. Monitors, assists, corrects, and grades student performance.
• Conducts standardized tests in accordance with district policies and state laws.
• Shares, with other Teachers and Aides, the responsibilities of monitoring the lunchroom and gym.
• Counsels students when academic difficulties or behavioral problems arise.
• Keeps records of academic performance, attendance, and social acclimation.
• Utilizes strategies of positive reinforcement while maintaining the classroom in a clear and orderly fashion. Classroom supervision is to be provided at all times.
• Participates in the therapeutic milieu as assigned, including but not limited to supervision of psychosocial programs and other building assignments.
• Interacts with family members, funding sources, school districts, and other collateral contacts.
• Cooperates with other staff in the coordination of treatment and treatment planning, as well as the developments and implementation of individualized service and educational plans.
• Completes all required paperwork for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), including student progress reports and report cards, incident reports, IEPs, etc.
• Performs and participates in crisis intervention in accordance with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Thresholds standards. Models best practices for crisis intervention to other staff, as trained in TCI. Performs and supervises physical management when necessary.
• Practices trauma informed care in all interactions with members. Maintains respect and a trauma informed approach in all communications about members.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education is preferred; Professional Educator License or Substitute Teaching License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
• Previous experience working with high school aged children dealing with mental illness is preferred.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email and complete documents electronically.
• To be able to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor. This training is provided and required by Thresholds

What sets Thresholds apart: 

• Competitive pay $25.14/Hr - $27.69/Hr
  • Based upon education, experience, and licensure
• Paid time off available
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match 
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement 

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.