Moderate Disabilities Sped Teachers - High School

Position: Moderate Disabilities Teacher – All Levels Location: Valley Transitional High School - Alternative Program Reporting to: Principal FTE: 1.0 Valley Collaborative is a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved public school entity. Valley also provides Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) programs for Individuals over the age of 18 with special needs. Valley provides a robust pathway for students to continue their careers beyond high school by providing high quality academic, therapeutic, and vocational services to individuals referred by both local school districts and DDS, MCB and MRC. We provide programming so Students and Individuals with special needs can reach their educational and/or occupational goals. By sharing its resources with multiple school districts and social service agencies, Valley programs are able to maintain superior quality at reasonable costs to all those it serves while meeting or exceeding state standards. Qualifications: •At least 2 years of relevant teaching experience preferred •Experience in alternative school setting preferred and/or with children who have moderate mental health and behavioral challenges •Education: Masters degree preferred, bachelor’s degree required •MA DESE Teaching License Required, MA DESE Moderate Disabilities License preferred Overall Responsibilities: •Experience working with students diagnoses with mental health disorders included but not limited to Mood Disorder, PTSD, RAD, Anxiety, ADHD, specific learning disabilities and behavioral needs •Ability to teach grade level content and supervise classroom/behavioral aides •Experience and training in de-escalation/physical intervention strategies •Consult with school staff regarding mental health symptoms and the impact on academic functioning •Work as part of an inter-disciplinary school team to ensure clinical needs of students are met •Work with interdisciplinary teams of professionals SLP, OT, PT, and BCBA to develop and implement IEPs •Implement behavior support plans as developed in conjunction with the BCBA as well as monitor teacher aides conducting such plans •Maintain an organized, safe and productive classroom in order for students to make adequate progress •Consistent contact with families •Develop IEP goals and progress reports that are reflective of student’s mental health needs •Have strong written and verbal communication skills •Demonstrated ability to approach individuals in a creative and thoughtful manner •Flexibility to meet identified student needs •A strong commitment to the goals, mission, and philosophy of the organization •Model respect, honesty, consideration, responsibility, and positive attitude with both peers and students •Participate in staff meetings and in-service training as requested •Provide transportation for students in Collaborative vehicles, when necessary •All other duties as assigned Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior): •Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions. •Adaptability to perform routine, repetitive tasks within a specific period of time. •Prioritizes work assignments to be completed within time requirements. •Must demonstrate a positive and caring attitude toward individuals and staff. •Must remain flexible and adaptable in order to meet department needs. Physical Demands: •Constant standing or walking •Requires ability to lift up to 50 pounds •Bends, reaches, lifts, carries, twists, pushes, pulls, and handles equipment when performing duties Able to reach and operate equipment and systems safely and effectively Benefits: •PTO Time •Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System Eligible •GIC Insurances •403b Vendors Valley Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer Valley Collaborative is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, limited English speaking ability, or homelessness, as defined by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.