Special Education Teacher: Autistic Support/STEP

Job Summary

Provide academic, community and social instruction to support the educational programming and physical needs of special education students assigned to the Intermediate Unit programs. Plan curriculum, prepare lessons and other instructional materials to meet the needs of the students, including in-home and virtual instruction. All instruction should be aligned with the Commonwealth of PA.

Core Essential Functions

• Regular attendance and reliable on-site presence
• Maintain technology for students and classroom
• Collect data daily/weekly on all Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and report out in accordance with the school districts reporting schedule
• Develop, write, and implement IEPs
• Convene all required meetings related to evaluations and IEPs
• Review procedural safeguards and summarize for families a minimum of one time per year
• Adapt, modify, and utilize evidence-based instructional materials and assessment
• Plan and prepare lessons and other instructional materials according to the baseline data and goals from the IEP
• Utilize appropriate databases to keep all required data fields and all required paperwork updated, including but not limited to ERs, RRs, Invitations, IEPs, and NOREPs, entrance and exit data (ECO)
• Follow positive behavior support plans and individualized behavior plans
• Able to drive to serve children in homes, preschools, day cares, and/or other natural environments throughout Bucks County, as assigned
• Use a data-base to maintain current records that include but are not limited to: caseload; student demographics; attendance; due dates for required documents; therapy/instruction notes shared with families and other caregivers
• Communicate regularly with families to provide support and communication
• Attend staff meetings and trainings and implement information into daily best practices

Supervisory Responsibility

Serves as team leader for all IEP team members, ensures all legal mandates are met and IEPs are implemented. As the lead communicator, the Teacher ensures all other service providers and team members, including the parent, are updated and informed of student progress and needs.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Instruction may be provided virtually or in the student's home.

Physical Demands

This position requires regular onsite presence and includes a combination of sedentary and active physical duties. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for fine motor tasks, and move throughout the work environment. Frequent activities may include walking, standing, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and positioning at student level for extended periods of time. Depending on assignment and student needs, employees may also be required to assist with transitions, mobility support, and instructional or daily living activities. The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Certain assignments may require assisting students with mobility or physical support needs that exceed 25 pounds, with appropriate training and support provided in accordance with program expectations and safety procedures.

This position requires active supervision of students across various educational settings and the ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to students, classroom, or safety needs. Responsibilities may include implementing approved crisis intervention techniques, supporting students with diverse educational, behavioral, communication, and personal care needs, and maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees may work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying behavioral or emotional support needs. Employees must also be able to hear and interpret sounds within the environment, including student communication, alarms, and other potential safety concerns. Regular attendance, dependable onsite presence, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Position Type & Schedule

This is a full-time, 193-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, hours may vary based on district assignments, program needs, meetings, training, or organizational priorities.

Travel

Travel is required for this position and may include travel to Bucks IU locations, client sites, constituent school districts, community agencies, professional conferences, trainings, state and regional meetings, and other program-related activities. Travel requirements vary based on operational and program needs.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Master's Degree beneficial
• PA Special Education Certification required
• PA K-12 Regular Education Certification required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively across a variety of team members, including parents, and across a variety of mediums including oral, written and virtual
• Proficiency with in-home and online delivery of education and instructional materials