Learning Specialist

SPED Learning Specialist

The SPED Learning Specialist is a full time, exempt position. Employees in this position follow the Academic Year Calendar for HOPE's Instructional staff, as determined annually. The expected workday is to be on site 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the Learning Center's operational hours, if based in one Learning Center.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the discretion of HOPE's management.

The role of the SPED Learning Specialist is to identify, evaluate, and interpret student data; provide consultation for teachers, parents and administrators; provide direct instruction; coordinate and communicate day to day operations with students, teachers, and related service providers; develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (IEPs); and be a contributing member of the learning services and school teams. This position may include working with all students in grades 6-12.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Priority Area: Student Case Management 90%

• Manages time to fulfill job duties and responsibilities
• Facilitate the special education process and verify that IEP services are implemented in compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.
• Identify and assess academic, social emotional, and communication needs of referred students with SPED team members to determine eligibility for special education services.
• Schedule and facilitate special education evaluation and IEP meetings.
• Deliver instruction within special education and general education settings.
• Monitor student IEP goals to determine effectiveness of direct instruction and use of accommodations. Enter and report progress every quarter.
• Identify, assess, and problem solve around the barriers that affect learning and academic/social emotional growth.
• Monitor and enforce social and acceptable behavior.
• Assist with administering formative and summative assessments.
• Assist general education teachers with preparation of classroom materials to meet student accommodations and learning level.
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and other professionals to support student learning.
• Attend all provided training, as appropriate.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Priority Area: Lead by exemplifying professionalism and commitment to community 10%

• Adjusts practice and prioritization of other tasks based on the needs of the Learning Center and HOPE.
• Manages time to fulfill job duties and responsibilities
• Sets personal goals related to student learning outcomes and seeks opportunities to improve personal professional practice through professional development and reflection.
• Collaborates to accomplish team, Learning Center and HOPE goals and practices
• Develops relationships with HOPE and Learning Center staff, parents and students that fosters a safe and culturally responsive learning environment
• Establishes and maintains professional communication which is clear, responsible, ethical, and respectful
• Supports counseling protocols that are focused on increasing student achievement
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education, licensure, and related work experience:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree
• Special Education Generalist License - Colorado Department of Education
• 3 years' experience, at least two of which is working with at-risk youth in a multicultural environment
• Comfortable working with students in grades 6-12
• Experience supporting and providing support for diverse learners (CLD, SPED, MTSS, GT)
• Experience with data-driven instructional practices

Preferred

• Master's Degree
• Active Colorado Teaching License (any secondary subject matter)
• Additional CDE license endorsements including Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CLD), Principal's or Administrator's License
• Experience working with SPED or ELL students and families, in a public or private school setting
• 5 years' experience, at least two of which is working with at-risk youth in a multicultural environment

Skills, knowledge, and abilities:

Required

• Commitment to social justice and equitable education for all
• Cultural proficiency and interpersonal/relationship building skills
• Fluency and literacy in English; excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent technology skills – Online curriculum, Google Docs, Drive and Gmail, MS Office, Student Information and learning management systems
• Proactive and detail oriented, able to prioritize and be self-directed
• Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations with students
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Advocacy for community-based learning models
• Flexible and resilient, diplomatic, positive and engaging attitude

Preferred

• Oral and written fluency in Spanish