The Special Education Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities in an innovative educational setting based on established performance standards and best practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

• Serve as a collaborative leader of the classroom team providing instruction in a variety of settings, uses effective instructional techniques customized to individual students goals and objectives; provides appropriate instruction to other classroom staff.
• Effectively organizes classroom environment, instructional materials, and schedule to match and maximize learning, including maintaining clean and organized work and common areas.
• Utilize appropriate assessment tools and ongoing data collection to (a) to develop and implement goals and objectives for each child, (b) to measure and communicate present level of performance, and (c) to make referrals as necessary.
• Adhere to the school philosophy regarding behavior management and implements all relevant techniques appropriately.
• Understand his/her role in language and communication facilitation and appropriately utilizes techniques for each child.
• Conducts or participates in all activities and meetings relevant to the position or required by supervisor (e.g., Initial and Annual Reviews; Parent/Teacher Conferences, Open School Night, Home Visits, Parent Center meetings; Team, Department and Classroom Meetings, etc.).
• Complies with regulatory requirements and school policy and procedures in all areas, and completes and submits within designated timeframes all necessary documentation for regulatory and funding agencies.
• Maintains appropriate and effective interpersonal relationships with team and department members, parents, other staff, supervisors, administrators, and outside agencies. Demonstrates:
• Open communication, flexibility and the ability to learn and utilize team building strategies
• The ability to self-evaluate, to utilize supervision and problem solve
• The ability to both offer and accept assistance to/from others
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Competency Statement(s)

Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.

Conceptual Thinking - Ability to think in terms of abstract ideas.

Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.

Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with customers and co-workers.

Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.

Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for ones conduct. including

Team Building - Ability to convince a group of people to work toward a goal.

Tolerance - Ability to work successfully with a variety of people without making judgments.

Education

BA or Masters Degree.

Experience

Experience working with special needs school age students, preferred, 10-21 years old.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Certificates & Licenses

New York State Certification in Special Education for Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6 or 7-12, Initial or Professional.

Willing to consider an individual with a BA who is currently enrolled in a Special Education Masters Program leading to Teacher Certification.

Other Requirements: Trained or willing to be in CPR/First Aid, SCIP, CPI, Choking Prevention

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Abilities Lift /Carry

Stand N (Not Applicable) 10 lbs or less N (Not Applicable)

Walk N (Not Applicable) 11-20 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Sit N (Not Applicable) 21-50 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Handling / Fingering N (Not Applicable) 51-100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Reach Outward N (Not Applicable) Over 100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

Reach Above Shoulder N (Not Applicable)

Climb N (Not Applicable)

Crawl N (Not Applicable)

Squat or Kneel N (Not Applicable)

Bend N (Not Applicable)

Push / Pull

12 lbs or less N (Not Applicable)

13-25 lbs N (Not Applicable)

26-40 lbs N (Not Applicable)

41-100 lbs N (Not Applicable)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

EEO Statement

Birch Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Birch Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Birch Family Services expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Birch Family Services’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.