BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of a Director or Principal, instruct special needs students in a classroom, individually and in small groups in accordance with Shasta County Office of Education policies and procedures; plan, implement, and evaluate learning programs and activities; develop and implement IEP goals and assess student progress and achievement; coordinate programs to increase independence and functioning in society, socially, vocationally and academically.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Teach special needs students individually or in a small group setting according to IEP goals and objectives; monitor and evaluate student needs and progress.
• Develop and implement lesson plans, instructional activities and techniques to meet the needs of assigned students.
• Teach independent living and social skills as assigned; utilize behavior intervention techniques as appropriate.
• Assess the needs of exceptional students; design, modify and implement appropriate instructional programs; provide specialized instructional activities for special needs students which establish, maintain and reinforce appropriate inter-personal and learning behaviors.
• Attend and participate in IEP meetings; provide information relating to student progress and achievement; collaborate with other personnel in the development and implementation of IEP goals and objectives.
• Provide for the personal hygiene of students including toileting, diapering, feeding, and care-giving; dispense medications as required; teach self-help skills involving personal hygiene; teach recreational and leisure skills as assigned by the position.
• Perform specialized physical health care procedures according to established procedures with; operate and instruct students and staff in the use of various apparatus to assist student mobility; lift and position students.
• Design and implement curriculum and lesson plans for classroom, individualized and small group instruction; schedule instructional periods; assess student progress and achievement; teach various subjects utilizing specialized techniques and software as necessary; maintain related records.
• Assist students in completing classroom assignments; assure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; respond to questions and provide proper examples and general guidance.
• Develop, implement and modify curriculum in assigned subject areas according to student needs, industry standards and established guidelines; incorporate State academic standards and guidelines and expected student outcomes and current subject area standards.
• Observe and manage behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures; assess student skills and progress; report progress regarding student performance and behavior per established guidelines.
• Identify student needs and collaborate with other personnel in assessing and meeting the needs of students.
• Instruct students with special needs regarding individualized tasks to implement and achieve IEP goals; assure proper implementation of objectives for students by trained individuals in accordance with IEP’s.
• Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary IEP team as assigned; attend IEP meetings and provide input to goals; conduct scheduled assessments; prepare feedback reports and maintain interagency and District contacts regarding IEP’s.
• Design and implement appropriate behavior management plans, techniques, and classroom management plans for use in instructional and disciplinary purposes.
• Participate in a variety of special project teams and committees; participate in teacher and staff meetings and other in-service training programs.
• Operate standard office and classroom equipment, including duplication equipment, laminator, calculator, computer and assigned software; operate and maintain equipment applicable to assigned program area; drive a vehicle to conduct work as assigned by the position.
• Communicate with teachers, psychologists, specialists and others regarding student progress; interact with parents and conduct initial interviews and conferences; discuss student progress with parents.
• Plan and supervise field trips to community or other sites consistent with instructional objectives as assigned by the position.
• Provide job coaching, vocational training and other skills as assigned by the position.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, theories, practices, methods and techniques used in curriculum development and classroom instruction for special needs students.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Child guidance principles and practices related to children and adult students with special needs.
• Problems and concerns of students with special needs.
• Curriculum and lesson plan development to meet IEP or other educational goals.
• Equipment operation related to special education students.
• Terminology involved in special education or alternative education programs.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Proper lifting techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws. 
• Research methods and report writing techniques. 
• Basic computer operation. 
• First aid and CPR.
• IEP process.
• Behavior modification techniques.
• Student and parent rights with respect to special education programs. 

ABILITY TO:

• Instruct special needs students in individualized tasks to achieve IEP goals.
• Understand and relate to children with special needs. 
• Monitor and evaluate student progress. 
• Train and provide work direction to others. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. 
• Maintain records and prepare reports. 
• Compile and verify data and prepare reports. 
• Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions. 
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. 
• Work independently with little direction. 
• Meet schedules and time lines. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  bachelor's degree and additional certification related to students served.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Teaching Credential with Special Education-authorizing service as a teacher, Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Some positions in this class may be itinerant and travel from site to site.
• Valid California Class C driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

• Classroom, office, and/or outdoor work environment.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of equipment.
• Carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
• Lifting heavy objects. 
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Seeing to observe students in daily activities.

HAZARDS:

• Providing specialized physical health care procedures as assigned by the position, to students with exposure to body fluids.
• Exposure to students who may become hostile or disorderly and who may exhibit physical aggression.