The Special Education Teacher for Adjudicated and At-Risk Youth is responsible for providing specialized education and support services to incarcerated youth with disabilities. This role involves developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), delivering specialized instruction, providing behavioral support, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address students' academic, social, emotional, and therapeutic needs. The ideal candidate possesses a combination of education, experience, skills, and qualities essential for effectively serving students with disabilities in challenging and high-stakes environments.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Conduct assessments to identify students’ strengths, weaknesses, and special needs.
- Collaborate to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to address students’ unique learning needs.
- Modify and adapt instructional materials and methods to ensure accessibility and accommodate specific needs of students.
- Provide specialized instruction and accommodations to support students with diverse learning disabilities, including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism spectrum disorder, and specific learning disabilities.
- Prepare and deliver progress reports for IEP meetings and conference with various stakeholders regarding educational progress and IEP updates.
- Implement positive behavior intervention strategies and supports to address challenging behaviors and promote social-emotional learning and self-regulation skills.
- Be prepared to respond to crisis situations and provide support to students accordingly.
- Work collaboratively with support staff, mental health professionals, probation officers, and other relevant team members to address students' academic and behavioral needs.
- Regularly assess student progress, collect data, and evaluate outcomes to inform instructional decision-making and ensure compliance with federal and state special education regulations.
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records of IEPs, progress monitoring data, behavior interventions, and other relevant documentation in compliance with special education laws and regulations.
- Work collaboratively on transition planning for students re-entering traditional educational settings or the community.
- Attend IEP meetings, court hearings, and other relevant meetings to represent the educational interests of students.
- Provide additional class coverage as needed.
- Perform non-instructional duties as may be required.
- Other duties as assigned by the Principal of Programs for Adjudicated or At-Risk Youth or the Assistant to the Executive Director for the Pittsburgh Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit 2.
Education and Experience Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field
- Valid PA teaching certification; Special Education K-12
- Experience working with At-Risk or Adjudicated Youth preferred
- Understanding of special education laws and regulations, evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities, and assessment and evaluation techniques for monitoring student progress
- Demonstrated knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based interventions for at-risk youth
- Knowledge and evidence of the use of instructional technology
- Valid Drivers’ License
Other qualifications:
- Strong oral and written communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Education Suite
- High level of organization
- Decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex organizational structures
- Proficiency in data analysis and program evaluation
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice in education
**Working with adjudicated and at-risk youth may involve additional training, background checks, and an understanding of the unique challenges the youth served face.**
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $42,129.00 - $60,165.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
