Job Title Alpha School, Education Specialist-Lead Teacher Hours Required 40 Job Description and Hours This position functions as a part of the Alpha School treatment and education team. The Teacher/Educational Specialist will assist in the development and implementation of individual and group behavior management programs, curricular programs, recreational programs, vocational programs, and other programs deemed necessary for the treatment and education of clients. The Teacher/Educational Specialist will be required to teach in all academic areas where deemed appropriate by the Program Director. This position will have primary responsibility for the development of the academic program for students and for overall management of the classroom to which they are assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Work with the Educational Program Specialists and other program staff in the monitoring and supervision of students both in and out of the classrooms. 2. Properly record behaviors on the Point Sheets using prescribed point fines and awards. 3. Tabulate point sheets at the end of each day, record points as required. 4. Monitor, track, and record student progress on the level system. 5. Implement proper behavior management procedures following policies and guidelines with students. 6. Develop and implement Goal Agreements with students that approximate to the goals and objectives of the IEP. 7. Develop contingency contracts with students that reinforce desired behaviors and are consistent with the goals and objectives of the IEP. 8. Properly complete required documentation contained in the weekly student packets in a timely manner. 9. Develop, teach and monitor student's academic programs in accordance with an Individualized Education Plan. 10. Document student's behavioral and academic progress on a routine basis. Record data in report cards, home cards, quarterly reports, TPM (Teacher, Parent Meetings) reports, transition journals, and other required program or agency documentation. 11. Review and correct student assignments for accuracy and grades. 12. Provide for recreational activities for students. 13. Work with the Education Program Specialist to provide a personal growth skills development program for students 14. Conduct Time After School (TAS) according to procedures and guidelines as scheduled. 15. Attend and participate in meetings (staff meetings, teacher- parent meetings, ad hoc meetings, planning meetings, IEP, etc.) as scheduled and required. 16. Responsible for maintaining contact with parents, guardians and collaterals. Responsible for collaboration and cooperation with other professionals who are working with the same clients. 17. Coordinate student transition back to a less restrictive setting(e.g., public school) with the student, student's parents, staff from public school(or other less restrictive setting), Transition Specialist, Educational Program Specialists, Program Management Coordinator, collaterals, and other program staff. 18. Conduct classroom team observations and review observations with staff to assess the efficacy and skill level of staff regarding their behavioral interventions with students, and provide feedback as needed. This is to be coordinated with the Facility Director as required. 19. Assist staff in writing individual behavior management programs for students with approval of the Facility Director as needed. 20. Document a minimum of four (4) observations per school year for Education Programs and Education Specialists. Responsible for developing performance appraisals for those positions. Each observation is to be reviewed and discussed individually with the respective Specialists and used cumulatively as part of the annual appraisal process. 21. Assist Facility Director and Program Management Team with ongoing program planning (behavioral, educational and recreational). 22. Follow Behavioral Management Policy and Procedures in all treatment related communications with staff, parents and collaterals. OTHER JOB DUTIES: 1. Possesses and maintains a valid driver's license, with no major violations (including DUI) In the last five years and no more than three moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the last three years. 2. Drive agency van to transport students when needed or required. 3. Must maintain certification in basic first aid and CPR 4. Perform other duties as assigned. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: 1. Bachelors Degree in Special Education, Education, Learning Disabled, Psychology or related human services and a current Nebraska Teaching certificate are required. 2. Minimum of (2) years experience working with severely emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children and/or adolescents. 3. Awareness of Agency Policy and Procedures, Rule 51, 302 Regulations, NDSS, DHHS Day Care Regulations and CACFP Regulations. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 1. Ability to organize responsibilities and time in an effective and efficient manner. 2. Ability to establish collaborative relationships and effectively work as part of a team in the program. 3. Ability to clearly, effectively and consistently communicate orally and in writing with staff, parents, students, and collaterals. 4. Ability to effectively identify and analyze problems, seeks solutions and options, and act in a professional manner in new or unusual situations. 5. Ability to carry out behavioral and educational data tracking and measurement in an accurate, objective, and consistent manner. 6. Ability to read, understand, and effectively utilizes written materials and instructions. 7. Ability to establish, understand and consistently teach/implement the student's educational and behavioral plans in an effective and professional manner. 8. Ability to complete required paperwork and documentation on schedule. 9. Ability to remain calm, take a proactive position regarding crisis prevention, and move to properly defuse potential crisis situations when they arise. 10. Ability to be proficient with and follow guidelines for time out, TAS and physical crisis intervention. 11. Ability to consistently and effectively use the Program Behavior Management System to include the point (token economy) and level systems. 12. Ability to use available resources in order to sustain continued growth and development. This includes, but is not limited to, performance feedback, educational course work, in-service training, training materials (journals, tapes, books, etc.), and video taping of performance. 13. Ability to effectively and efficiently use computers and related software to perform job functions, develop visual aids, and graphics applications. *14. Ability to act as an appropriate role model: exhibiting responsible behaviors, neat and clean appearance, courtesy in daily interactions, maintaining self-control. *15. Ability to work closely with students of all ages in classroom and recreational environments, as well as in time-out and time after school situations. 16. Ability to operate various forms of audio-visual equipment such as a video camera, VCR, tape player, etc. 17. Ability to develop Individualized Education Plans and other treatment plans as required. 18. Ability to teach specific skills to students that are needed to facilitate a return to a less restrictive setting (e.g., public school). *19. Ability to remain flexible in order to meet student and program needs. 20. Ability to define and distinguish behavioral and educational expectations based upon expected developmental milestones. 21. Ability to recognize and proactively respond to tasks and duties necessary for the ongoing operation of the program. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: 1. Must meet and maintain physical requirements of the position which include 75 pound lifting requirement. 2. Must maintain certification in basic first aid and CPR 3. Must maintain a certification in “Safe Kids Buckle Up” and use these procedures while transporting Alpha School Students. For over 40 years, Alpha School has offered services for students in southeast Nebraska and Western Iowa who have not been successful in the public school system. Students are typically referred to Alpha school because they are physically aggressive, verbally aggressive, or display other behaviors that negatively impact their academic and/or social progress. Alpha School believes that troubled youth can change if they understand how change benefits them. We begin with the assumption our students have not mastered certain life skills and require participation in our skill development program utilizing a "learning by doing" model.