Education Specialist
The Education Specialist is a certificated position with Element Education. The Education Specialist directly reports to the Director of Student Services and the Special Education Program Manager. The Education Specialist is primarily responsible for providing support and guidance to Educational Facilitators and parents of students with special needs.
Essential Functions
Support Student Learning
1. Evaluate and informally assess special education students upon enrollment and for annual review meetings
2. Develop Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with special needs, using 5-way test for IEP goal development
3. Initial referrals/Triennial Reviews: o Conduct academic assessment using standardized test(s) upon receipt of signed
Evaluation Plan o Write report of results and submit to School Psychologist and Special Education Program
Manager 10 days prior to IEP meetings o Participate in eligibility determination as part of IEP team
4. Assist with scheduling IEP meetings with parents and communicate schedule with appropriate personnel including, but not limited to, administrator, school psychologist, academic counselor, related service providers, and Educational Facilitators
5. Track parent signatures on IEPs, scan/upload into SEIS, copy and distribute copies of IEPs to parents/guardians and Educational Facilitators
6. Attend IEP meetings for all students with special needs; Participate in the review and revision of
IEPs
7. Coordinate IEP development and preparation by gathering input from providers, Educational
Facilitators, and parents
8. Maintain files of enrolled students with active IEPs to ensure confidentiality and security
9. Participate with Educational Facilitator, parent, and other IEP members, in designing instructional program based on students’ IEP goals/objectives and Learning Styles
10. Provide direct individual and/or small-group instruction and services to students (SAI) according to their IEPs
11. Coordinate and collaborate with EFs, parents, and other IEP members regarding implementation of special education students’ instructional program and services
12. Collaborate with related services providers, EFs, instructors, and parents to monitor special education students’ progress towards IEP goals and communicate progress with parents (at report card dates) on a regular basis
13. Respond to telephone calls/email messages from parents, staff, and teachers/tutors regarding special education
14. Submit requests for special education curriculum and supplemental materials (in accordance with students’ IEPs) to Director of Student Services
15. Distribute special education curriculum and supplemental materials to students and staff, as needed; Maintain records of non-consumable items, including technology
16. Assist with parent and staff trainings, as needed
17. Collaborate with Director of Student Services and Special Education Program Manager and participate in SST process, as needed
18. Attend monthly Student Services Department meetings
19. Work virtually, as needed
20. Ensure the safety of students including, but not limited to, assisting in conducting emergency drills and cleaning of workspace
21. Provide information, assistance, consultation, resources, and materials to students with exceptional needs, their parents/guardians, and staff
22. Emphasize at the secondary level on academic achievement, career and vocational development, and preparation for adult life
Accountability and General Administration
1. Mentor and supervise Instructional Aides, as needed
2. Maintain student records in accordance with school policies and procedures
3. Manage school resources in accordance with school policies and procedures
4. Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, within a timely manner; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries in a timely manner
5. Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in creative exchange of ideas
6. Observe confidentiality
Public Relations
1. Develop positive relationships with parents and general public associated with the organization
2. Communicate and support the school’s mission, policies, and procedures
3. Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
4. Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members
Professional and Organizational Development
1. Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training
2. Practice reflective observation regularly; Maintain growth mindset
3. In collaboration with the Director of Student Services and the Special Education Program
Manager, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
4. Understand and contribute to the Organization’s vision, growth, and development
● Other duties as assigned
● Maintain a maximum student caseload of twenty-eight (28) students, adjusted for adjunct duties
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
1. Understanding of Personalized Learning Model
2. Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of K-12 curriculum in all subject areas
3. Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of educational philosophies
4. Ability to manage a home office and flexible schedule
5. Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
6. Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
8. Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
9. Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
10. Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its applications, and DocuSign
11. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
12. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
13. Demonstrate good judgement
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
15. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
16. Ability to think strategically and independently
17. Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
18. Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment
Requirements
1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. Possess a current, Clear or Preliminary, Educational Specialist California Teaching Credential (Mild/Moderate; Moderate/Severe)
Upon Hire/Offer
1. First Aid/CPR/AED certification
2. Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
3. Successful background clearance
Salary: As per ED Specialist Certificated Salary Scale
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package (FT Only); CalSTRS; Accrued PTO
Work Schedule: 10 months
FLSA Classification: Exempt (FT); Non-Exempt (PT)
* May require travel throughout San Diego County.
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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for an extended period of time. Sitting is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on the forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion. The employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, and in person.
Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type and operate a computer, telephone, and general office equipment. It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., either occasionally or frequently, depending on the day. May occasionally have to climb up stairs, stoop, kneel, and/or lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of this position in a safe, accurate, and timely fashion and to make and evaluate the results of judgments and decisions.
High tolerance for continuing stressful situations. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.
The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, the home office, student homes,
Learning Centers, the Administrative Office, and vendor locations. Normal office working conditions within a collaborative environment. This environment may be expected to include: noise level that is quiet to moderate, frequent interruptions, and occasional movement from inside to outside with exposure to elements, stairs, children, and duty hours before sunrise or after sunset. The employee may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust.
Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,770.00 - $102,812.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
Experience:
- Special education: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- California Education Specialist Teaching Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
