Position Summary
The Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and documenting instruction for students with intellectual, developmental, physical, behavioral, emotional, sensory, communication, and/or medical needs. This position provides a safe, structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment while following each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), approved curriculum, agency policies, applicable laws, grant and contract requirements, and confidentiality standards.
The Teacher is expected to provide active supervision, maintain accurate student records, implement appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies, communicate professionally with students, staff, families, and administrators, and support the overall educational program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including health and safety standards, mandatory abuse, neglect, and exploitation reporting requirements, DCF guidelines, grant and contract requirements, and The Haven policies and procedures.
· Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, safety concerns, injuries, incidents, or policy violations in accordance with Florida law, DCF/APD requirements, and agency policy.
· Maintain student and program confidentiality at all times, including compliance with applicable privacy requirements and agency confidentiality standards.
· Instruct students who have various intellectual, developmental, mental, physical, emotional, sensory, communication, and/or behavioral needs that may impact learning, including but not limited to autism, visual impairments, hearing impairments, emotional disorders, and physical disabilities.
· Follow each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), behavior support plan, health/safety plan, communication plan, and other individualized programming as directed by the Director and/or educational team.
· Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with approved curriculum, IEP goals, functional life skills, communication needs, vocational readiness, social-emotional learning, and individualized student needs.
· Prepare for assigned classes and provide written evidence of lesson preparation upon request by the immediate supervisor.
· Modify curriculum, materials, instruction, and classroom activities to meet the individualized needs of students with disabilities.
· Use special education strategies and instructional techniques to improve the development of sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, memory, communication, independence, and functional skills.
· Use instructional technology, adaptive equipment, communication devices, and assistive technology to support student learning, engagement, and participation.
· Teach daily living skills required for independence and self-sufficiency, including hygiene, safety, food preparation, social skills, communication, and other functional life skills.
· Teach personal development skills such as goal setting, independence, self-advocacy, decision-making, and appropriate social interaction.
· Teach socially acceptable behavior using approved techniques such as positive reinforcement, redirection, behavior modification, de-escalation strategies, and positive behavior supports.
· Implement approved behavior support plans, crisis-prevention strategies, and de-escalation techniques in accordance with student plans and agency policy.
· Establish, communicate, and enforce classroom rules, behavior expectations, policies, and procedures to maintain order, safety, and a productive learning environment.
· Provide active supervision of students at all times, including during classroom instruction, transitions, meals, toileting and hygiene routines, campus activities, community-based activities, transportation loading and unloading, and emergency drills.
· Instruct and monitor students in the safe and appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, adaptive devices, classroom tools, and supplies to prevent injuries or damage.
· Prepare materials, supplies, and classrooms for instructional activities.
· Maintain accurate, complete, and timely student records, including attendance, progress data, lesson documentation, incident reports, communication logs, and other required records.
· Evaluate student progress in the instructional program through ongoing data collection, observation, assessment, documentation, and review of student goals and objectives.
· Prepare reports on students, classroom activities, progress, incidents, and program needs as required by laws, district policies, administrative regulations, grant requirements, contract standards, and agency procedures.
· Participate in IEP meetings, student progress reviews, parent/guardian conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as assigned.
· Confer with the Director and appropriate team members to plan, schedule, and implement lessons that promote student learning and follow approved curricula.
· Maintain professional and appropriate communication with parents/guardians, staff, administrators, outside providers, and other stakeholders while preserving confidentiality and professional boundaries.
· Maintain positive and professional relationships with students, staff, parents/guardians, and other members of the school community.
· Comply with established lines of authority, supervision, communication, and reporting.
· Orient and assist new staff and new students, and support opportunities for appropriate input into the school program.
· Follow student health, allergy, seizure, mobility, feeding, toileting, and emergency care plans as directed and within the scope of the position.
· Follow emergency procedures, including fire drills, lockdowns, severe weather procedures, evacuation plans, medical emergencies, and student-specific safety plans.
· Complete all required pre-service, annual, and ongoing trainings, including abuse/neglect reporting, confidentiality, health and safety, behavior support, CPR/First Aid, and any agency-required compliance training.
· Maintain professionalism, punctuality, reliable attendance, appropriate workplace conduct, and cooperation with supervisors and coworkers.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements
· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
· Florida teaching certification, Exceptional Student Education certification, or eligibility for certification preferred.
· Experience working with students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism, behavioral needs, medical needs, communication needs, or special education populations preferred.
· CPR/First Aid.
· Must successfully pass a Level II background screening and required rescreening every five years.
· Must complete all required agency, state, DCF, APD, grant, contract, and program-specific trainings.
· Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
· Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
· Must possess a valid driver’s license, have a safe driving record, and provide proof of motor vehicle.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Knowledge of instructional strategies for students with disabilities and individualized learning needs.
· Ability to follow IEPs, behavior plans, safety plans, and classroom procedures.
· Ability to provide active supervision and respond quickly and appropriately to student needs or emergencies.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
· Ability to collect, record, and interpret student data.
· Ability to work collaboratively with administrators, staff, families, students, and outside providers.
· Ability to remain calm and professional during behavioral incidents, emergencies, or stressful situations.
· Ability to use classroom technology, instructional materials, adaptive equipment, communication supports, and basic computer systems.
· Ability to follow directions, accept feedback, and comply with agency policies and procedures.
· Ability to maintain a safe, organized, respectful, and supportive classroom environment.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and move throughout the classroom, campus, and program areas.
· Ability to actively supervise students and respond quickly to student needs, safety concerns, or emergencies.
· Ability to assist students with mobility, positioning, hygiene, feeding, toileting, or other personal care needs as required by the program and within the scope of the position.
· Ability to lift, transfer, or assist students up to 150 pounds, with assistance or adaptive equipment as appropriate.
· Ability to operate classroom, adaptive, instructional, and safety equipment.
· Ability to tolerate a classroom environment that may include noise, behavioral incidents, bodily fluids, frequent interruptions, and varying student needs.
· Ability to perform duties in both indoor and outdoor environments, as required by student programming and campus activities.
Work Environment
This position works in an on-site school and classroom environment serving students with varying intellectual, developmental, physical, behavioral, sensory, communication, emotional, and medical needs. The role requires in-person attendance, active supervision, frequent interaction with students and staff, and the ability to respond to student needs and emergencies throughout the workday.
Additional Expectations
Employees are expected to support the mission of The Haven and maintain a respectful, safe, inclusive, and professional environment for students, families, staff, and visitors. Employees must comply with all agency policies, procedures, safety expectations, training requirements, and supervisory directives.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Disclaimer
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, schedules, and work assignments may be modified at any time based on organizational, program, student, regulatory, grant, or contract needs.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
