Sped Learning Specialist

The SPED Learning Specialist is a full time, exempt position. Employees in this position follow the Academic Year Calendar for HOPE’s Instructional staff, as determined annually. The expected workday is to be on site 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the Learning Center’s operational hours, if based in one Learning Center.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the discretion of HOPE’s management.

SUMMARY:

The role of the SPED Learning Specialist is to identify, evaluate, and interpret student data; provide consultation for teachers, parents and administrators; provide direct instruction; coordinate and communicate day to day operations with students, teachers, and related service providers; develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (IEPs); and be a contributing member of the learning services and school teams. This position may include working with all students in grades 6-12.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Priority Area: Student Case Management

90%

Duties and Responsibilities

Manages time to fulfill job duties and responsibilities

Facilitate the special education process and verify that IEP services are implemented in compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.

Identify and assess academic, social emotional, and communication needs of referred students with SPED team members to determine eligibility for special education services.

Schedule and facilitate special education evaluation and IEP meetings.

Deliver instruction within special education and general education settings.

Monitor student IEP goals to determine effectiveness of direct instruction and use of accommodations. Enter and report progress every quarter.

Identify, assess, and problem solve around the barriers that affect learning and academic/social emotional growth.

Monitor and enforce social and acceptable behavior.

Assist with administering formative and summative assessments.

Assist general education teachers with preparation of classroom materials to meet student accommodations and learning level.

Collaborate with staff, parents, and other professionals to support student learning.

Attend all provided training, as appropriate.

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Priority Area: Lead by exemplifying professionalism and commitment to community

10%

Duties and Responsibilities

Adjusts practice and prioritization of other tasks based on the needs of the Learning Center and HOPE.

Manages time to fulfill job duties and responsibilities

Sets personal goals related to student learning outcomes and seeks opportunities to improve personal professional practice through professional development and reflection.

Collaborates to accomplish team, Learning Center and HOPE goals and practices

Develops relationships with HOPE and Learning Center staff, parents and students that fosters a safe and culturally responsive learning environment

Establishes and maintains professional communication which is clear, responsible, ethical, and respectful

Supports counseling protocols that are focused on increasing student achievement

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, LICENSURE, AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:

Required

Bachelor’s Degree

Special Education Generalist License - Colorado Department of Education

3 years’ experience, at least two of which is working with at-risk youth in a multicultural environment

Comfortable working with students in grades 6-12

Experience supporting and providing support for diverse learners (CLD, SPED, MTSS, GT)

Experience with data-driven instructional practices

Preferred

Master’s Degree

Active Colorado Teaching License (any secondary subject matter)

Additional CDE license endorsements including Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CLD), Principal’s or Administrator’s License

Experience working with SPED or ELL students and families, in a public or private school setting

5 years’ experience, at least two of which is working with at-risk youth in a multicultural environment

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

Required

Commitment to social justice and equitable education for all

Cultural proficiency and interpersonal/relationship building skills

Fluency and literacy in English; excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent technology skills – Online curriculum, Google Docs, Drive and Gmail, MS Office, Student Information and learning management systems

Proactive and detail oriented, able to prioritize and be self-directed

Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations with students

Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks with frequent interruptions.

Advocacy for community-based learning models

Flexible and resilient, diplomatic, positive and engaging attitude

Preferred

Oral and written fluency in Spanish

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The SPED Learning Specialist reports to and is evaluated by the SPED Lead with feedback from other members of the HOPE instructional team. This position does not supervise any HOPE or Learning Center employees.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FUNCTIONING REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

Compare, analyze, communicate, instruct, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate

Communicate effectively using speech and hearing

Use near vision to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) as required for computer use, reading and instruction

Use hands for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation

Operate office machines and computer equipment

Be subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing, balancing, stooping, pushing and pulling

Occasionally lift objects up to 25 pounds

LOCATION, WORKING ENVIRONMENT, AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is routinely performed in an office or classroom environment with moderate noise level. The SPED Learning Specialist works at one or more assigned Learning Centers. Travel between the assigned Learning Centers (if assigned to more than one) and to the HOPE Office for training and meetings is the responsibility of the employee. Compensation for mileage is per the HOPE Mileage policy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT:

The duties and expectations of this position have been discussed and a copy of this document has been provided to me.

_________________________ ______________________________________________________

Employee’s Printed Name Signature Date Received

_________________________ ______________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Printed Name Signature Date Received

HOPE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Inquiries concerning the application of HOPE’s nondiscrimination policy can be directed to the Human Resources office.