ID 5866 - Learning Specialist - Autism Spectrum Disorder/Social Communication (Access) - 1.0 FTE For 191 Days

Learning Specialist - Autism Spectrum Disorder/Social Communication (ACCESS)

1.0 FTE for 191 days

Lake Oswego High School

JOB SUMMARY

Position screens and assesses students for eligibility, services and placement in special education programs (K-12). Provides instructional activities and lessons to a wide variety of elementary students with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Social Communication. Activities and lessons reflect state standards, district curricula, lesson objectives and student academic achievement goals and conform with existing behavior and 504 plans and IEPs. Develops specific instruction, activities and support in a classroom, resource room or other setting for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Social Communication. Provides guidance techniques and resources other teachers can use in regular classroom settings. Administers classroom, and district/state assessments. Maintains a safe and productive classroom environment. Duties are performed under risk of infection and personal injury.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties of this position include the following tasks. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned at any time.

• Screens and assesses students for eligibility, services and placement in special education programs.

• Designs and prepares individual behavioral support plans. With the IEP team, writes IEPs for specific students.

• Designs and implements developmentally appropriate instructional activities and lessons which reflect state standards, district curricula, lesson objectives and student academic achievement goals. Monitors the effectiveness of instructional activities and lessons, and modifies the pace and content of instruction as needed.

• Plans and implements highly structured learning environments.

• Schedules students for specially designed instruction.

• Communicates with students during instruction and interpersonal interaction using language structure, tone and body language that promotes problem solving and effective management of power struggles. Applies proactive strategies for management of escalating inappropriate, disruptive or harmful behavior.

• Adapts instructional activities and lessons for students with varying cultural and social backgrounds, 504 plans, behavior plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

• Creates, maintains and consistently updates records for special needs students as specified and required by federal and state laws, regulations and administrative rules.

• Obtains special or additional training to keep updated on best practices which meet unique needs of special needs students.

• Meets with regular classroom teachers and assistants as needed or requested.

• Constantly reviews classroom health and safety protocols which protect students, staff and necessary equipment.

• Schedules and participates in regular team meetings, eligibility meetings, and IEP/MDT meetings.

• Administers medications within the scope of federal and state laws, regulations, administrative rules and district policies.

• Assists classroom teachers and other school personnel with creating and implementing positive behavior support and instructional methodologies for students with reduced tolerance to regular classroom stimuli.

• Presents lessons and activities, individually and in groups, using a variety of sensory sensitive methods and kinetic activities.

• Prepares, administers and grades various formal and informal student assessment tools, assignments and activities. Analyzes results and adjusts learning activities and lesson plans as necessary. Collects, records and maintains required data including attendance and student grades. Prepares report cards and progress reports.

• Regularly uses oral, written and electronic communications to students and parents/guardians regarding student behavior and student progress towards classroom and district education objectives/goals. Schedules parent conferences as needed or requested.

• Establishes and maintains classroom rules and standards of student behavior for a safe and productive learning environment. Works with the principal, school staff, and parents/guardians regarding individual student behavior and discipline issues.

• Trains, assigns activities to, and monitors education paraprofessionals (IAs, EAs) regarding classroom academic and behavior goals, daily classroom activities, and specific recordkeeping requirements. Adjusts delegated tasks as necessary.

• Observes, evaluates and refers students who need additional services and support.

• Works in professional collaborative groups with other teachers on issues related to implementing effective content instruction and assessment.

• Communicates regularly with student and parents/guardians about academic performance.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in applying conflict management and dispute resolution techniques.

• Maintains consistent, daily and punctual attendance.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Non-essential duties of this position include the following tasks. Employees in this position perform some or all of these tasks. Other duties may be assigned at any time.

• Operates various office equipment including audio visual equipment/devices, telephones and photocopy machines.

• Orders supplies.

• Moves classroom furniture and organizes classroom to enhance student learning.

• Attends in-service trainings, staff meetings and other meetings as assigned including SET and IEP meetings. Attends professional growth activities related to job responsibilities.

• Provides staff development activities for staff during in-service meetings.

• Serves on building and district committees and councils as assigned.

• Communicates information about district, school and/or departmental policies and procedures

• to students, staff, parents and patrons.

• Supervises students both in and out of the classroom.

• Works with community agencies that may provide ancillary services.

• Reports issues to the principal and the appropriate authorities including safety, sanitary and fire hazards, vandalism, thefts and errant wildlife.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Consistently follows all applicable federal and state laws and all district policies, rules and supervisor directions.

• Observes ergonomics of sedentary office work including placement of computers and monitors, and sitting alignment.

• Observes proper lifting techniques and other strategies to avoid accidents and personal injury while performing job duties.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Special Education is required, a Master's degree is preferred. A valid Oregon teacher license with necessary endorsements is required. A minimum of Three (3) years of successful teaching experience with special needs students including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder is required. Demonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development is required. Demonstrated knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder, assessment methodology, instruction strategies and techniques and effective social communication is required.

• Interpresonal Skills: Works well with others from diverse backgrounds. Focuses on solving conflict, maintaining confidentiality, listening to others, keeping emotions under control, remaining open to others' ideas and contributing to building a positive team spirit. Demonstrates the ability to remain calm and professional in an environment with frequent interruptions. Interacts with staff and students appropriately.

• Language Skills: Ability to communicate in English fluently both verbally and in writing, including proficiency in spelling and grammar. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, parents, staff, regulatory agencies, vendors and members of the community. Ability to read and interpret documents including governmental regulations, safety rules and operating and maintenance instructions/ instruction manuals. Ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence with high degrees of accuracy and professionalism.

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to calculate rates, ratios, percentages and proportions. Ability to read and interpret various charts, bar graphs and similar visual data depictions.

• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in oral, schedule or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving more than one variable.

• Computer Skills: Ability to effectively use office computers and internet access for email, research, word processing, database manipulation, visual presentations and general web-based applications.

• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to exercise good judgment and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: A valid Oregon Driver's License is required. Must have or able to obtain various certificates, licenses and/or registrations as required by federal, state or local law(s) and/or determined by the district .

PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS

The physical expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

When performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk stand, sit, use fingers and hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms and move around inside and outside of buildings. The employee is occasionally required to, push, pull, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel and crouch. The employee must lift and/or move up to 35lbs. The employee may occasionally climb stairs or ladders. The employee must have, with or without vision correction, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must regularly use approved restraint and de-escalation procedures with students. The employee must occasionally move quickly and sometimes run to keep students safe and avoid injuries. The employee must regularly lift students up to 35 pounds and lift, with assistance, students weighing up to 150 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The work environment is a standard classroom or resource room setting. The noise level of the work environment is usually low to moderate, but occasionally high depending upon the location, the student population and current activities. The employee occasionally will be required to supervise students during arrival/departure. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions, including seasonal heat and cold. The employee may occasionally be exposed to contagious diseases, bodily fluids and blood-borne pathogens.

The employee must occasionally implement crisis prevention/intervention protocols which involve risk of personal injury from students.

NOTE: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Lake Oswego School District is committed to being an antiracist, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment, selection, and employment without regard to race, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, religion, veteran or military status, or any other category protected under the law. LOSD is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment procedures for individuals experiencing a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 503-534-2000. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Lake Oswego School District is a Drug-Free/Smoke-Free Workplace