Education Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

Working with the Division of Youth Services is more than it seems. You will be working with staff to create a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment for youth in our day treatment and residential programs. To succeed in this position you will need to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, cooperative, encouraging, able-bodied, professional, and respectful; you must be able to communicate clearly, honestly and openly. We also offer a variety of great benefits including health, dental, vision, paid holidays, cafeteria plans, retirement, and more. Join us and help make the difference for our youth today!

This is entry-level to senior-level professional teaching position that requires a mild/moderate special education certificate, accountable for developing curriculum and lesson plans, and planning and implementing course content and methods to meet the needs of state facility clients in a facility of the Missouri Division of Youth Services. This position instructs youth in elementary or secondary school subjects, and related special education work.

The following tasks are the responsibility of the Education Specialist:

• Implement group and individual education plans. Plan class work and prepare learning materials.
• Function as part of a teaching team and assists in developing, implementing, and evaluating individual educational plans. Confer with parents and/or students.
• Adhere to State and Federal testing guidelines and mandates.
• Prepare reports regarding each client’s adjustment and progress. Maintain scholastic and attendance records.
• Administer and score pre/post tests.
• Provide Awareness Supervision to youth, with responsibility for their safety, personal conduct, care, education, and therapy.
• Maintain security, including intervention and/or participate fully in physical restraints of youth during emergencies or altercations to prevent escapes and gain physical control of youth.
• Dispense medications to youth.
• Role-model appropriate behaviors.
• Transport and escort youth in everyday and emergency situations.
  
  

Awareness Supervision is defined as the ability to see, be seen by, and to hear and be heard by youth at all times in order to be capable of swift, appropriate response.

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in appropriate coursework or in the field of Special Education and a valid Special Education teaching certificate. OR A Bachelor’s degree and the ability to obtain an appropriate Special Education teaching certificate through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Applicants who do not possess a valid teaching certificate at the time of hire will be required to initiate the process of obtaining a substitute certificate within seven days of employment and an appropriate Missouri teaching certificate within ninety days of employment.

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A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university: and, Four or more years of post-baccalaureate special education teaching experience in a school accredited by a governing agency and possession of a valid special education teaching certificate. OR A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university; and, Two or more years of post-baccalaureate special education teaching experience in a school accredited by a governing agency and possession of a valid special education teaching certificate.

A governing agency is an entity such as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or the North Central Association on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Special Requirement: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional or occupational license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

If you experience an accessibility issue while applying at mocareers.mo.gov, please contact courtney.a.hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416. If you have questions about this position, please contact: hrc@dss.mo.gov .