PITT COUNTY SCHOOLS

Position Title: Project SEARCH Special Education Teacher

Reports To: High School Specialist/Exceptional Children Director

Supervises: Teacher Assistant

NATURE OF WORK 

The Project SEARCH Instructor will adhere to the curriculum provided by Project SEARCH to (1) identify student strengths, interests, and abilities related to skill acquisition, job development and placement (2) seek appropriate community job site consistent with the student’s interests and skills (3) determine and refer to appropriate community support services for training and successful employment (4) work with local businesses and industry to meet their employment needs.

The Instructor also will:

• Actively engage for each work day: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Student attendance time will be: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Identify internship sites within the host business, ECU Health, so that students can participate in a variety of work experiences in order to build marketable, competitive skills leading to employment.

• Develop job sites that will increase job specific skills, work quality and productivity.

• Plan with students, families, and agency personnel to determine career interests, specific job preferences (hours, location, etc.), skills and abilities to develop an individualized approach to placement.

• Identify and create solutions for behavioral concerns that interfere with gaining and maintaining employment.

• Instruct students to learn employability skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork, grooming, budgeting and self-advocacy.

• Provide universal design in the accommodations and adaptations needed at work sites.

• Monitor and record daily attendance at work sites; teach students to independently inform departments of absences/tardiness.

• Give appropriate grades based on participation, skill development, attitude, etc. 

• Assess students on a daily/weekly basis and layer additional employability skills as needed.

• Develop work portfolios for each student to include credentialing of skills attained, letter of recommendations from internship sites, etc.

• Collect data on student outcomes including jobs gained, wages, hours worked per week, benefits taken in collaboration with the agencies.

• Coordinate Advisory Committee meetings with all partners represented. 

• Perform specific job analysis, task analysis, and job matching activities.

• Develop linkages among other agencies to assure effective transition from school to work or from current placement to successful community employment.

• Coordinate internal job placement opportunities within the host business and accommodations and necessary job supports for students.

• Develop a job development training plan with consumers and appropriate support personnel.

• Coordinate job coach and paraprofessional activities.

• Refer students to appropriate agencies for support and services related to successful employment.

• Develop Summary of Performance Plans with each exiting student.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

• Degree in Special Education/Extended Content Standards

• At least 2 years teaching experience

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Knowledgeable of the current “best practices” in the field of supported employment.

• Knowledgeable of federal and state regulations/supports offered to businesses and consumers, i.e. PASS Plans, work incentives, etc.

• Reports necessary repairs to host business liaison.

• Keeps adequate supplies available to function efficiently.

• Follows district procedures in regards to money, petty cash, purchase orders, professional meeting requests, mileage, etc.

• Adheres to and promotes district safety standards (i.e. fire, tornado, accident reports, etc.)

• Submits and completes appropriate district, state, and/or agency reports in a timely manner.

• Keeps files up to date with all appropriate forms and information. Follows guidelines in file organization, consumer input, confidentiality, etc.

• Displays knowledge of and complies with School district policies and procedures.

• Recognizes and acts on the legal responsibilities concerning the safety and welfare of the students.

• Demonstrates daily work assignment responsibilities: signs in and out consistently, is accountable for an eight hour day, is punctual and regular in attendance, and attends appropriate school related activities.

• Attend appropriate Project SEARCH team meetings.

• Plan and implement monthly staffings for each student participant with appropriate parties including the VR Counselor and parent.

• Communicate internship placements with other Project SEARCH team members. 

• Schedule, plan and implement monthly written communication with parents and other parties.

• Schedule, plan and implement Open Houses to publicize the program and recruit potential students.

• Coordinate job coaches for student internship sites and competitive placements.

• Communicate regularly with business liaison, job coaches for student progress and issues.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, in-services, etc.

• Participates in school district committees or projects.

• Enrolls in courses relevant to assignment or certification.

• Is an effective role model for students and staff.

• Shows enthusiasm and a sense of humor.

• Exhibits an overall positive attitude.

• Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills.

• Uses Standard English in oral and written communication.

• Works as a productive team member with families, affiliate school and agency personnel.

• Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences.

• Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless disclosure services a professional purpose or is required by law

• Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest.

Term of Employment:

Your signature below indicates that you agree to perform each of the duties identified on this job description and understand that failure to perform any of the duties may lead to reprimand up to and including dismissal by the Pitt County Schools Board of Education.