Special Education Teacher

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Horizons creates and sustains person-centered opportunities for people with developmental disabilities where they live, learn, work, and play.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• This position requires a Special Education or Regular Education Teaching Certification and a minimum of five year's experience working with people with special needs.
• Must possess a valid Connecticut driver's license, acceptable driving record, valid auto insurance coverage and must maintain reliable transportation.
• Certification in CPR is preferred or must be successfully completed within the first 30 days of employment. (Horizons offers these courses to employees).
• Certification in First Aid is preferred or must be successfully completed within the first 180 days of employment. (Horizons offers this course to employees).
• If necessary for the individual to be supported, DDS Medication Administration Certification is preferred or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment.
• File application, a letter of interest, at least 2 work references, 1 personal reference and completion of signed health form within 60 days.
• Acceptable background & license checks performed by Horizons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Candidate must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Physical ability to respond to critical incidents including but not limited to: security holds and escorts, evacuating residents from housing, public areas, vehicles, etc. when necessary.
• Ability to observe the student's behavior, assess its appropriateness, implement emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques taught in orientation and required trainings such as PMT.
• Physical ability to assist a student to enter/exit buildings, worksites, vans/vehicles, etc. in emergencies, drive safely following all policies, federal, state and local laws.
• Ability to understand and follow all Agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to implement training and use equipment included in the student's activities. This equipment may vary depending on the person, for example, a computer, replace hearing aid batteries, Hoyer lifts, etc.
• The successful candidate must be able to effectively utilize trainings provided by Horizons.
• Physical ability to negotiate the structural set up of the residences; stairs, etc. as well as assist the student to do the same.
• Ability to implement training and use equipment including but not limited to computers, cell phones, snow blower, rakes, tarps, shovels, leaf blowers, weed whackers, cleaning materials, mowers, dishwasher, laundry machine, stove, grill and other equipment found in the residence.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Write and implement lesson plans.

2) Plan community based learning activities.

3) Document Students present levels of performance and create SMART Goals and Objectives

4) Evaluate students performance for IEP progress notes

5) Coordinate team meetings.

6) Act as a case manager for the students.

7) Meet with Director of Educational Support & Professional Services as needed.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exhibit positive, effective management and observational skills by using positive programming under the guidance of Horizons' Mission and Vision.
• Communicate in a way that is accurate, timely, student centered, respectful of student and stakeholder's privacy, positive, and capacity based.
• Facilitate and support relationships between individual, community, and family members that promote appropriate interactions.
• Intervene in emergency situations (e.g. self injury, medical, aggression) and according to a student's specific behavior management program utilizing training received from Horizons.
• Follow all policies and procedures of Horizons (including mandated reporting and guiding principles of funding sources (e.g. DDS).
• Timely arrival to assigned work location and throughout workday. Professional expectations as listed in Horizons' Policies and Procedures.
• Daily completion of all required documentation.
• Attend and participate in scheduled meetings as a team member.
• Participate in scheduled staff development required by funding sources, Horizons' policies and procedures and the employee's identified professional goals.

About Horizons:

Horizons has been offering support to individuals with developmental disabilities and other special needs for nearly 40 years. Founded as a summer camp, Horizons has since expanded to offer year-round opportunities through Supported Employment & Options, Supported Living, and Educational Support Services. Today, the organization supports nearly 1,700 people annually by focusing on each person's capacity and talents while responding to the changing needs of families, individuals, and the community. We expect more than what others think is possible.

Learn more at our website - www.horizonsct.org