Specialized Programs Specialist - LIFE 18-22 - Specialist IV

About the role

The Special Programs Specialist supports the development of students' vocational, employment, and independent living skills, including access to appropriate work-based learning and community placements. The Specialist collaborates with the Special Education Teacher to implement supports and instruction aligned with students' IEPs, promote access to learning, and improve student outcomes. The Specialist also supports compliance with applicable state rules and regulations and district policies to ensure the effective operation of the educational program.

Responsibilities

• Support vocational training experiences, work-based learning opportunities, and community employment placements.
• Implement instructional strategies that align with state and district curriculum.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and an environment which promotes student learning.
• Provide educational opportunities and instruction for each student, according to his/her IEP in collaboration with the Special Education Teacher.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required by Delaware statutes, federal regulations, district policy, and IEP requirements.
• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.
• Facilitate communication using verbal and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in collaboration with the Speech-Language Pathologist.
• Collaborate with IEP team members, including parents/guardians/administrators/staff, to ensure students receive appropriate support and make meaningful progress.
• Differentiate and modify instruction to meet students' individualized learning needs.
• Participate as an active member of the IEP team and provide input to support the development and implementation of IEP goals.
• Engage in ongoing monitoring of student progress through structured data collection.
• Implement effective behavior management strategies that promote student engagement, independence, and safety.
• Implement School Board and school-based policies and procedures in order to uphold school regulations.
• Collaborate with school personnel, related service providers, community agencies, and employers to support student success.
• Effectively integrate instructional and assistive technology into daily instruction.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning to strengthen professional knowledge and skills.
• Participate in district and school-level committees and professional learning activities.
• Communicate student and program-related information effectively in oral and written form.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Principal and/or Supervisor of Special Education Services.

Requirements

• Must be eligible for State of Delaware Student Support Personnel Permit #1527.
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably in Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of best practices in special education, including understanding of transition services and school to adult life transition planning.
• Thorough knowledge of IDEA and IEP implementation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills.
• Experience with assistive technology preferred.
• Possess a valid driver's license and demonstrate the ability to independently transport or escort students via district vehicles or public transit for community-based learning.

For international applicants: Transcripts must be translated prior to submission. Review information on the State of Delaware's Department of Education DEEDS website regarding Non-U.S. Application Certification.

Training

Appoquinimink School District may require you to be trained in Safety-Care or a similar competency-based crisis prevention intervention training program as a condition of continued employment.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly talking, expressing, or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including conveying detailed or important spoken instructions accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall, and apply certain practices and policies.
• Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

The work of this class is generally performed in a school environment and may require the ability to move around the school and classroom.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Submit a criminal background check and a tuberculosis test.
• Provide proper identification (Social Security Card and Driver's License).
• Documentation of eligibility for employment in the U.S.A.
• Completion of I-9 form.
• Completion of paperwork for the Delaware Child Protection Registry.