Substitute Teacher, Special Education (Moderate/Severe) at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
The goal of the Orange County Department of Education's Connections program is to deliver a meaningful educational experience tailored to meet each student’s individual needs. This mission focuses on teaching skills aligned with California State Standards, emphasizing competencies that are essential for students' current and future success. Connections empowers every learner with 48 classes spread across 13 school sites throughout Orange County, serving students referred by their district of residence. The program is structured to meet the needs of students with a range of support requirements, including: - Students with the most significant disabilities - Students with emotional disturbance disabilities Our Connections programs maintain a low student-to-staff ratio within structured classroom environments, ensuring access to state standards through curriculum that meets each student’s unique needs. We also focus on addressing emotional and behavioral development, while offering additional opportunities for career technical education (CTE), community-based instruction, and vocational training. The Special Education Services Division is currently seeking Substitute Teachers for the school year. This position provides instruction to special education students in functional, academic, language, and specialized subject areas related to the student's level of achievement. Our Substitute Teachers prepare instructional materials and equipment for use in the classroom, as well as accompany and monitor students on community-based outings or field trips. Substitute Teachers should have knowledge of Individual Specialized Health Care Plans, Individual Education Plans, instructional and behavioral techniques, and the devices used for Alternative Assistive Technology for students who require AT or AAC support.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: • Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have met the basic skills requirement and have any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: • Qualified applicants must hold a valid California teaching credential based on completion of a bachelor’s degree and the basic skills requirement OR • Hold an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit. The basic skills requirement can be met through one of the options listed on Basic Skills Requirement Form CL-667 on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website www.ctc.ca.gov. Long-term assignments require a valid California teaching credential.
There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please elaborate on your experience/training in an educational setting with students participating in Special Education Programs. 2. Answering supplemental questions give applicants the opportunity to expand on relevant background and helps us better screen applicant qualifications for the position. Incomplete applications, including omission to supplemental questions, could possibly result in not being considered further in the recruitment process for this position. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: • Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have met the basic skills requirement and have any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: • Qualified applicants must hold a valid California teaching credential based on completion of a bachelor’s degree and the basic skills requirement OR • Hold an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit. The basic skills requirement can be met through one of the options listed on Basic Skills Requirement Form CL-667 on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing website www.ctc.ca.gov. Long-term assignments require a valid California teaching credential.
There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. Please elaborate on your experience/training in an educational setting with students participating in Special Education Programs. 2. Answering supplemental questions give applicants the opportunity to expand on relevant background and helps us better screen applicant qualifications for the position. Incomplete applications, including omission to supplemental questions, could possibly result in not being considered further in the recruitment process for this position. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Once you have submitted your application, you cannot go back and make changes. If you need to make changes, you will need to withdraw your application and resubmit prior to the deadline. For any further questions in regards to the position or recruitment process, please contact our office at: (714) 966-4919
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Once you have submitted your application, you cannot go back and make changes. If you need to make changes, you will need to withdraw your application and resubmit prior to the deadline. For any further questions in regards to the position or recruitment process, please contact our office at: (714) 966-4919
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
AA/EOE/ADA
Application Deadline
Continuous
Date Posted
2/24/2026
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Single Rate
$200 Daily
$200 Daily
Add'l Salary Info
Higher rates for longer assignments and additional stipends available.
Length of Work Year
2025 - 2026 School Year
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.