You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Engagement Specialist- Special Education

JOB SUMMARY: The Learning Engagement Specialist is responsible to provide behavioral, academic and administrative support to Tanager students integrated into a traditional school in an effort to increase student engagement with learning, resulting in increased student achievement. Monitor student attendance and implement plans of support when needed. Connect youth and families to social service providers, facilitates collaborative planning, and ensures that coordinated services are provided which match assessed needs. This position is also responsible for monitoring, redirecting and modifying student progress regarding inappropriate behaviors and performance, administering intensive tier 2 and 3 behavior interventions programs to identified students.
 
ORGANIZATIONAL AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:  The Learning Engagement Specialist will report directly to the Associate Director with support from the building administrators, the Director of Learning Supports and will have a working relationship with building staff, ELSC staff, and community agencies.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on need. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
 
This position will support the building’s multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) by:
 
 
  • Providing assistance with de-escalating student behaviors and reintegration back into the classroom.
  • Administering one-to-one intensive behavior interventions to students. Actively participates in behavior intervention meetings.
  • Developing and implementing programming associated with supporting students in crisis to be delivered as needed.
  • Modeling and facilitating students solving their own problems.
  • Assisting assigned school staff with strategies to support and meet students’ needs in the areas of behavior, attendance, and achievement of academic goals.
  • Providing active communication and positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and community members.
  • Serving as liaison between students and community; providing school-home contacts.
  • Conferring with teachers, as needed, concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
  • Meeting with families in their homes and other locations that are convenient to the family.
  • Participating as an active member of the school staff and regularly attending support team meetings and other similar meetings within the building for the purpose of communication and service coordination.
  • Assisting staff with strategies to support and meet students’ needs in the areas of behavior, attendance, and achievement of academic goals.
  • Providing supervision of students (e.g. lunch duty, recess, substitute rotation) as necessary and directed by building administrator.
  • Assisting in planning and delivery of social/emotional/behavioral school-wide programming.
  • Fostering and supporting community partnerships
  • Providing active communication and positive relationships with parents, juvenile court, students, staff, and community members.
  • Maintaining a caseload consistent with program requirements. Maintaining accurate records and completing required reports such as attendance and disciplinary activities.
  • Providing transportation for students and families when appropriate.
  • Maintaining satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
  • Assisting with other duties as may be assigned.
 

 
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 
  • JOB REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or other related program of study preferred.
  • Endorsements or Certifications? (e.g. Check and Connect preferred)
  • Experience with the Check and Connect, Aggression Replacement Training, Restorative Practices, and Trauma-informed practices preferred.
  • Experience working with adolescents in a school setting preferred
  • Minimum two years of successful work experience in social service programs which provide services to youth and families.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with representatives of social service agencies, schools, and advisory committees.
  • Valid Iowa Drivers License.
  • A driving record satisfactory to the District and the District's insurance carrier.
 
  • KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:Ability to advocate for students in accessing needed resources.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community. 
  • Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication. 
  • Commitment to help program youth and their families identify their strengths.
  • Ability to tolerate ambiguity.
  • Orientation to continuous problem solving and positive life outlook.
  • Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
  • Knowledge of, and ability to implement, de-escalation techniques
  • Knowledge of, and ability to implement, behavior management techniques
  • Commitment to assist families and youth to identify, confront, and reduce the conditions which place them at risk of dropping out of school.
  • Patience and understanding in communicating with persons to be served
  • Ability to network, problem solve and multi-task.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Willingness to assume responsibility.
  • Regular attendance.
  • Capable of representing the school in a professional manner, which includes but is not limited to confidentiality, communication skills, and dress.
  • Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.