Special Education Learning Specialist (1.0 FTE, 8 hrs/day) - Beginning the 2025-26 school year

High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Special Education Learning Specialist

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 189 day contract beginning in the 25/26 school year

The Nest Program, Tamarack Center, Bend, Oregon

Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave and paid holidays; generous tuition reimbursement and PERS contributions.

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, the Learning Specialist serves as a teacher and case manager for students with special education needs who have an IEP. The Learning Specialist serves students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities who experience behavioral challenges. The Learning Specialist works with a team of other Learning Specialists and Educational Assistants who serve students in a self-contained behavior program.
The Learning Specialist designs programs that provide for maximum teacher-student interaction in a highly structured environment. The program offers a variety of learning experiences which will help students gain the skills necessary for semi-independent or independent adult living, such as academics, communication skills, daily living skills, social emotional skills and pre-vocational skills. Teachers, parents, and other specialists work cooperatively to prepare students for their transition back to their community school once safety criteria has been met.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Maintain a good working relationship with special programs and school personnel and to work effectively as a team member. Works well with others from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on solving conflicts, maintains confidentiality, develops and maintains positive rapport with parents, listens to others, remains open to others’ ideas and contributes to building a positive team environment.

• Demonstrates an ability to successfully work with students who have behavioral/emotional needs
• Establish and facilitate meetings and discussions, including Identifies situations requiring group discussions, organizes and facilitates effective meetings, involving all participants, follows up and monitors any intended actions and outcomes
• Learn the operation of current technology, and other equipment used in the work, as required by the position
• Adhere to the federal requirements of a drug-free workplace
• Perform the duties as required by the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (OAR 584-20-000 to 035)
• Ability to read fluently; communicate, understand, and carry out verbal and written instructions
• Demonstrate basic mathematical functions
• Communicate clearly and appropriately in speech and in writing in accordance with educational standards
• Other certifications/trainings as required to execute the essential functions and duties and responsibilities for these positions (ie: bodily fluids, blood sugar testing, bee stings, dispensing of prescription medication)
• Complete all required special education forms and processes within specific timelines
• If hands on approach is required, must follow approved crisis prevention techniques
• Provide an individual learning program, which emphasizes development of language, social behavior, personal adequacy, physical fitness, health, and academic skills so competency in these areas can be attained
• Collect and analyze behavioral data and IEP goals
• Assist with training of educational assistant(s) including; Creating their schedules, provide lesson plans for small group instruction and instructional guidance for general education setting, coaches and models systems and strategies to support students, provides data collection system for IEP progress monitoring, adjusts schedules to accommodate student needs, schedules ongoing meetings and trainings for EA’s, this may include coordinating with specialists
• Supervise safety, self-care, health care/delegated nursing procedures, personal hygiene care and mobility assistance services which can include lifting, restraining, feeding (spoon, gastronomy), and toileting/diapering support. Implements delegated occupational/physical therapy procedures
• Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must hold or be able to acquire appropriate TSPC licensure.
• Must have access to reliable transportation and consistent attendance is required.

Preferred Qualifications;

• Special Education license preferred, general education license with behavioral program experience considered

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to: talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times. Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.

Terms of Employment A contract renewable annually by the Board of Directors, under the terms and conditions of the statutes and administrative rules of the State of Oregon, conditioned upon successful evaluations and the employee's maintenance of a current, valid teaching credential. Salary and benefits are established by policy and collective bargaining agreement.