Lead Special Education Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing educational instruction to assigned students in a structured classroom environment designed to promote intellectual, emotional and social growth. He/She will develop teaching plans that are appropriate to the ages and populations served, specifically children and adolescents (ages 3-21 years) with emotional, developmental and/or behavioral needs.

Melmark New England serves children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury, neurological diseases and disorders, comorbid mental health disorders and severe challenging behaviors.  Populations served are intensely physically challenging. The Lead Special Education Teacher position requires that staff be aware that students who are served may exhibit life threatening aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior. Students served may have had multiple treatment failures prior to this placement. Lead Special Teachers position  are expected to implement highly technical clinical and teaching programs that require Lead Special Teachers to be constantly alert, attentive and ready to respond to student’s needs. 

All employees must achieve satisfactory performance in orientation and onsite training before assuming full ability to complete essential functions.  Failure to successfully pass orientation and onsite training can/will result in termination of employment.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A. Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Human Service Field, or Psychology.

B. Special Education certification issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  A valid US driver's license and a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years old.  Must be capable of attaining approved Melmark driver status.  Must meet Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check requirements.  Successful completion of employer provided certification in CPR, First Aid, Crisis Intervention, and Melmark's Orientation Program and New Hire Onsite training program. 

C. Must demonstrate strong reading, written and oral language skills.  Strong teaching skills with emphasis on students who are emotionally, behaviorally, physically and/or developmentally challenged.  Experience or interest in the principles and application of Applied Behavior Analysis, curriculum and special education (Autism Spectrum Disorders).  Strong interpersonal skills are required.

D. Prefer at least two (2) years experience with specialized populations.  Advanced skills in educational and clinical services will be required n this role.