SPED EDUCATION SPECIALIST - MS/HS

Description

Position Description - Special Education Middle School/High School Education Specialist

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) is a dynamic, thriving, diverse charter school in an urban environment that serves approximately 800 students in grades 6-12. We are seeking a full time Middle School/High School Education Specialist to join our outstanding Special Education program for grades 6 – 8 as a Case Manager. We operate as our own LEA under the El Dorado County Charter SELPA as a full inclusion program. Under this model, students spend their day in their general education and arts classes. The case manager’s role is to support and foster student success while working closely with the general education teachers through either pushing into the classrooms or pulling students out for more individualized support. The school curriculum revolves around the concept of integration, both between academic subjects and within the arts. Collaboration is central to the department as our students are fully included. 

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, the Education Specialist will provide instruction, assessment and program planning for special education students with mild/moderate disabilities to include specific learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, emotional disturbance. The fundamental purpose of this position is to adapt the content,methodology, and delivery of instruction to meet the needs of an eligible child and ensure the student’s access to the general curriculum and rigorous educational standards adopted by OSA and the State of California. 

MAJOR DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works collaboratively with all members of the IEP team to coordinate the development and implementation of students’ IEPs using the Special Education Information System (SEIS) program

• Performs initial, triennial and informal assessments in order to identify student needs

• Implements and monitors students’ Individual Education Plans.

• Prepares all materials for IEP meetings

• Consults and collaborates with parents, staff and service providers to ensure appropriate delivery of special education services 

• Plans with teachers and other staff members implementation of instructional strategies to meet the needs of students with IEPs

• Works cooperatively with classroom teachers who have special education students in general education classes

• Establishes and effectively articulates goals for student learning

• Maintains special education records to meet compliance guidelines

• Provides students with specialized academic instruction for the purpose of meeting their unique needs

• Adapts curriculum content and/or pedagogy to support students’ understanding of the subject matter

• Utilizes assessment results for the purpose of providing educational benefit to students

• Instructs students in RSP setting to ensure successful progress towards IEP goals

• Communicates with teachers, psychologists, specialists and other members of the IEP team for the purpose of monitoring student progress

• Provides timely feedback students, parents, and general education teachers based on data for the purpose of coordinating services to individual students

• Uses behavior management techniques to support students on their caseload and achieve a functional learning environment 

• Participates in appropriate professional development activities related to the educational programs of the school

• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of all areas of special education including behavior management, learning theories and techniques, scaffolding and differentiation and curriculum development  

• Knowledge of various learning modalities and educational philosophies

• Knowledge of effective strategies, curriculum, and instruction to support students

• Professional oral and written communication skills in English, including academic report writing

• Ability to organize, prioritize, work under time constraints, and be flexible in an environment of multiple tasks

• High degree of professionalism, integrity and dependability

• Maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance

• Current special education state and federal laws and regulations  

• Procedures and policies pertaining to the development of IEPs  

• Experience with SEIS is preferred  

• WIAT assessment practices and data collection 

• Ability to work with administrators, teachers, staff, students, and parents in a productive and effective manner  

• Ability to modify general education curriculum to maintain compliance with students’ IEP accommodations  

• Ability to plan, manage, and organize a multi-grade level caseload  

• Strong communication and organization skills that allow for collaboration with-in and across departments, with parents, students and families

• Ability to maintain inventory records for each student to keep track of student attendance, academic progress, and grades

• Ability to provide instructional and intervention support for students who are not meeting academic expectations based on the student's Course of Study 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university  

• You must currently hold or be in the process of applying for a California Education Specialist credential, Mild/Moderate.  

• Two (2) years of experience in an educational setting is preferred.  

• Experience working successfully with school age children

OTHER LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearance required 

• TB clearance required

• Participate in employer required training programs upon employment and ongoing

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. 

• While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; hear and speak to exchange information in a proficient manner, in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers to touch, handle, feel, grasp, or operate standard office equipment including technology; and reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally. 

• The employee may frequently be required to stand and walk, bend, stoop, and kneel. 

•  The employee must occasionally grasp, lift, and move records and documents typically weighing as much as 20 pounds. 

• The employee must have hand-eye coordination and be able to read printed material and computer or other technology screens while performing data entry tasks. 

This is a 1.0 FTE 11-month position represented by the Certificated Unit of the Coalitions of Oakland School for the Arts Teachers and Staff (COSATS) CTA/NEA # 5256

Compensation Range: 

$65,607.22 - $81,549.04 annual salary depending on education and experience

Persons of color are encouraged to apply.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY  

OSA does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived  age, sex, race, ethnic background, veteran status, ancestry, pregnancy, national origin, physical or mental  disability, medical information, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender or religion.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university  

• You must currently hold or be in the process of applying for a California Education Specialist credential, Mild/Moderate.  

• Two (2) years of experience in an educational setting is preferred.  

• Experience working successfully with school age children

OTHER LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearance required 

• TB clearance required

• Participate in employer required training programs upon employment and ongoing

Salary : $65,607 - $81,549