Substitute Teacher - Young Adult Program

About the role

Thresholds High School is an Illinois State Board of Education certified Therapeutic Day School for students ages 16 to 21 with ongoing serious mental health needs. The school provides a distinct combination of flexibility and support to help students achieve their high school diploma and transition goals. Students come from various suburban and Chicago home districts, and the school works closely with these districts to ensure success in meeting personal and Individual Education Plan goals, increasing academic achievement, graduating, and preparing for next steps. Students benefit from robust vocational services, evidence-based Supported Employment and Education for postsecondary endeavors, and therapeutic supports addressing anxiety, frustration, school refusal, and other challenges.

Responsibilities

• Assumes a leadership role in the program with direct responsibility for the supervision of all students in the classroom or as assigned.
• Follows existing curriculum guidelines of school district and state requirements, tailoring curriculum for multiple levels of academic ability and previous achievement.
• Prepares assignments and lesson plans weekly; monitors, assists, corrects, and grades student performance.
• Conducts standardized tests in accordance with district policies and state laws.
• Shares responsibilities for monitoring the lunchroom and gym with other teachers and aides.
• Counsels students when academic difficulties or behavioral problems arise.
• Keeps records of academic performance, attendance, and social acclimation.
• Utilizes strategies of positive reinforcement while maintaining a clear and orderly classroom; provides supervision at all times.
• Participates in the therapeutic milieu, including supervision of psychosocial programs and other building assignments.
• Interacts with family members, funding sources, school districts, and other collateral contacts.
• Coordinates treatment and treatment planning, and develops and implements individualized service and educational plans.
• Completes all required paperwork for ISBE, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), including student progress reports, report cards, incident reports, and IEPs.
• Performs and participates in crisis intervention in accordance with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Thresholds standards; models best practices for crisis intervention to other staff.
• Performs and supervises physical management when necessary, including therapeutic restraint techniques requiring moderate exertion, the ability to lift 40 pounds, and mobility to lower self to a kneeling position.
• Practices trauma-informed care in all interactions with students and maintains a respectful, trauma-informed approach in all communications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education is preferred.
• Professional Educator License or Substitute Teaching License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
• Previous experience working with high school-aged children dealing with mental illness is preferred.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email and complete documents electronically.
• Ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, including lifting 40 pounds and kneeling on the floor (training provided and required by Thresholds).

Benefits

• Competitive pay: $25.14/Hr - $27.69/Hr (based upon education, experience, and licensure).
• Paid time off available.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match.
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP).
• Mileage reimbursement.