Job Description:

Job Title: Special Education Teacher (CDESS)

DEADLINE:  Attach any required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle Record, to your online application by midnight on the closing date.  Late Applications or documents will not be considered.

Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Tribal Education Department/Child Development & Education Support Services

City: Sacaton, AZ

Location: 555 W. “B” Street

Area of Interest: Education

Salary/ Hourly Rate: $56,957.00 - $70,457.00 Salary

Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes

 Year Round Position (No Contract)

 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Special Education Teacher plans, prepares, and delivers specially designed instruction to   preschool-age children in center/school and home-based settings to address developmental needs of children with disabilities.  Works in partnership with students, schools, program staff, parents, specialists, related service providers, and community and state agencies to provide quality early special education to children to promote self-directed learning, active engagement, and the development of adaptive, cognitive, physical, communication, and social-emotional skills in young children.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·Coordinates meetings, participates as a member on Multi-disciplinary Evaluation Teams (MET), and develops Individualized Education Program (IEP) for children that qualify for special education. Conducts developmental evaluations and implements services as written in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Maintains current IEP’s.  Coordinates with educators, agencies, and related service providers to ensure that services are provided as written in the IEP.  Collaborates with general education teachers to ensure compliance regarding accommodations and modifications.  Schedules IEP meetings and ensures appropriate stakeholders are invited and present.  Ensures all IEP’s are compliant with federal and state guidelines.

·Communicates and coordinates with local schools and agencies to transition students to kindergarten.  

·Prepares a variety of written materials including lesson plans aligned to state and Head Start standards; student progress reports, therapy logs, data collection logs, correspondence with parents/guardians, incident reports, assessments and evaluations. Enters and files information and documentation in electronic databases (e.g. e-IEP Pro, ECSS database, Teaching Strategies, etc.) and submits monthly reports to program manager. Organizes and updates student files in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

·Assists with program Child Find screenings (hearing, vision, developmental), program advertisement and outreach. Provides follow-up with parents/guardians and referral sources.

·Reports incidents (e.g. fights, suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, harassment, etc.) for maintaining personal safety of children, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to state, federal, and tribal policies.  Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution. 

·Oversees assigned para-professional program staff. Advises, trains, and monitor’s paraprofessionals regarding proper implementation of specially designed instruction and strategies for improvement and/or reinforcing individual or classroom goals. Reviews and verifies correctness of paraprofessional’s logs, timesheets, and the completion of assigned tasks. Provides input on para-professional performance evaluations when requested by program manager.

·Conducts regular trainings and workshops regarding special education topics for parents, community programs, school personnel, early childhood staff, and the community when requested. Attends monthly staff meetings, assigned trainings, and conferences.

·Develops and implements researched-based strategies for effective classroom management and the development of early learning skills in children with varying range of disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and generalized behavioral issues. Conducts observations, provides feedback, and consults with teachers, administrators, parents, and specialists.

·Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

·Considerable Knowledge of Arizona Early Learning Standards, Head Start Performance Standards; and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) Part C and B.

·Considerable knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations pertaining to disabilities.

·Knowledge of Native American culture and traditions.

·Knowledge in gathering and interpreting data. Administering screenings and evaluations, and making informed instructional decisions based on data.

·Ability to effectively plan, supervise and coordinate work of others

·Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing while maintaining cultural sensitivity.

·Ability to determine eligibility for special education or related services.

·Ability to write clear concise reports, letters and memorandums.

·Ability to facilitate the implementation of special education goals and objectives.

·Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with parents/guardians, other employees, Community Officials and the public.

·Ability to implement skills and strategies attained from workshops, in-service, conferences and other staff development activities.

·Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education with Early Childhood Endorsement and holds a current valid State of Arizona Special Education Teaching certificate.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

·Must hold a current, valid, Arizona Special Education Teaching certificate in at least one of the following areas:

-       Early Childhood Special Education (Birth – 3rd Grade) AZ state certification, or

-       Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education (K-12) AZ state certification with Early               Childhood endorsement, or

-       Severe & Profoundly Disabled Special Education (K-12) AZ certification with Early                 Childhood Endorsement.

·Copy of current Fingerprint Clearance Card must be provided when applying for this position and must be maintained throughout employment.

·Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.

·Maintain current CPR & First Aid Certification.

·Current TB skin test or obtain within 60 days of employment.

·Current Food Handler Certification (i.e., GRIC, ServSafe, etc.) or obtain within 60 days of employment.

·Required mandatory reporter pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 2 (7.205), B.

·Required to attend Title 7 Mandatory Reporting training on a yearly basis.

·May occasionally work evenings and weekends as requested.

·Required to obtain a Tribal Operator’s permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit.  Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.

Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position

Reports to Director or designee

BENEFITS: 

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473).  The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation.  In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.  

Visit our GRIC website and apply online: www.gilariver.org