Academic Coordinator (School for Autism)

Be the change you wish to see in the world! Come join our team to empower children and families in our communities to transform their lives and develop to their full potential.

Pressley Ridge Benefits

The well-being of our employees and their families is important to us. At Pressley Ridge, we strive to provide the most competitive and comprehensive employee benefit programs that are affordable and help you and your family achieve and maintain your best possible health.

• Medical coverage available with a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
• Prescription coverage
• Dental and vision plans
• Patient advocate and Medicare specialists available at no cost
• Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account
• Wellness incentive (up to $250)
• 403b with up to 9% employer give/match
• Free life insurance and AD&D
• Paid vacation time (12-month employees eligible)
• Paid sick time (up to 15 days)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Tuition reimbursement (if applicable)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  
  

Position Summary

This opportunity is for our School for Autism in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Academic Coordinator will be responsible for knowing all applicable regulations, specifically, Chapter 14, compliance monitoring/record maintenance through the Professional Education Plan, monitoring the services of educational support staff, and attend trainings on a regular basis. The Academic Coordinator will also consult with the Lead Teacher on academic strategies to use in the classroom. The Academic Coordinator will also develop and maintain quality programming through day to day implementation and monitoring of program aspects that includes but is not limited to the IEP process, work closely with professional staff to develop and implement appropriate data driven Individual Transition Plan for students, and support the Program Director in developing the school calendar as well as developing the school wide training calendar. The Academic Coordinator will be in charge of implementing the Teacher Induction program and supporting the Teacher Evaluation program in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assure the use of available academically related technology throughout the program using the internet, electronic documentation and electronic communication.
• Design, train and evaluate content related to educational aspects of the program.
• Elaborate upon the current program aspects to enhance the education and treatment of students in the program.
• Being flexible and open to change, adjusting teaching approaches based on student needs and new information, and embracing innovative practices.
• Monitor and manage the educational lesson plans and IEP process to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed by educational guidelines.
• Inspire and motivate others, provide constructive feedback, foster a positive school culture, and take initiative to address challenges.
• Work with the Program Director to provide structure and guidance for classroom monetary spending for class trips, educational outings, and community-based instruction.
• Support and assist in the implementation of the teacher evaluation system.
• Interview applicants, share interview data and participate in selection discussion with the management team.
• Maintain comprehensive records of staff performance.
  
  

Qualifications

Education/Credentials/Licensure:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in special education or leadership required. A master's degree in special education or leadership is preferred.
• Special Education Supervisory Certificate preferred.
• Requires a valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current auto insurance.
  
  

Experience

• Requires three (3) years of teaching experience in the field of special education.
  
  

Clearances Required by Applicable Regulations:  

• State Police 
• FBI 
• Child Abuse Clearances 
• Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training certificate and/or statement
  
  

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• This position requires operating a keypad device 50% of the day and electronic/office equipment 50% of the day. Travel is required approximately 5 times per month and works in weather conditions about 25% of the day. Travel includes transporting students to and from school, school-based appointments, and/or field trips. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower torso is used 25% of the day and upper torso is used 75%. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. For positions in the School for the Deaf, hearing and speech are not required but ASL proficiency is (see qualifications above). Walking is required 50% of the day. Standing occurs 50% of the day. Sitting happens 50% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts 10 pounds, 4 times per day. The maximum lift is under 50 pounds, 1 time per day. The position requires the ability to implement physical interventions and meet the physical demands of TCI. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  
  

Mental Demands

• Continually handles distractions that interfere.
• Frequently performs multiple tasks, makes quick decisions, and handles diversity of problems.
• Occasionally needs to concentrate.
  
  

Environmental Factors

• Environmental factors require this position in schools and community.
  
  

Working Hours

• Hours dependent on school schedule. Flexibility to meet student needs.
• Hours in this position at PRSD, PRSA, and Day Schools Pittsburgh and Greensburg follow a 12-month schedule. Hours for this position in the Day School Johnstown follow a 220-day schedule.