S.A.F.E. Program Specialist

Primary Function: The S.A.F.E. Program Specialist provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with moderate to severe disabilities within the S.A.F.E. program. This position supports students in accessing their Individualized Education Program (IEP) services by assisting with instructional activities, implementing accommodations and modifications as directed by the Education Specialist, and supporting student engagement, behavior, and independence across school settings.Essential Functions:Instructional & Academic SupportSupports implementation of instructional activities, accommodations, and modifications under the direction of the Education SpecialistProvides support using structured, evidence-based strategies, including explicit, systematic instruction, sensory-regulation supports, communication systems, behavioral regulation and replacement-skill instruction, and small-group, low-distraction environments tailored to student needs, under the direction of the Education Specialist.Assists students in accessing classroom materials, assistive technology, and learning toolsSupports small-group and individualized instruction in structured, low-distraction environmentsReinforces skills taught by the Education Specialist through guided practice and reviewMay assist with informal progress monitoring under direction of certificated staffSupports the Education Specialist(s) in the delivery of IEP servicesImplements daily student support plans within the S.A.F.E. program under the direction of the Education Specialist, providing consistent, direct support to studentsBehavioral SupportSupports implementation of behavior support plans (BSPs) and reinforcement systems as directed by the Education SpecialistAssists in promoting appropriate behavior, engagement, and social-emotional developmentImplements de-escalation and replacement behavior strategies as trained and directedParticipates in data collection related to student behavior and progressSupports safe classroom environments and student transitionsImplements schoolwide behavior expectations and discipline procedures as directedAssists with students who may demonstrate aggressive or challenging behaviors such as hitting, biting, scratching, or elopement (running), and works with the team to implement behavior support plans and/or crisis plans as trained and directedCommunication & CollaborationWorks collaboratively with Education Specialists, related service providers, teachers, and school staffCommunicates student needs and observations in a professional and timely mannerMay provide input regarding student progress when requested for IEP meetings or team discussionsFollows direction and instructional guidance from the Education Specialist to support student learning and classroom implementationStudent Care & SafetyProvides support with activities of daily living as required by student needs and IEPs, which may include toileting, feeding, dressing, hygiene, and mobility supportAssists students with mobility equipment (e.g., leg braces, wheel chairs, tricycles, walkers, mobile standers, crutches, and gurneys) as trainedEnsures student safety during classroom activities, transitions, and field tripsMay administer basic first aid and follow emergency procedures when necessaryAssists teachers during field trips by supporting students’ physical needs, maintaining appropriate behavior, and reinforcing learning activitiesData & Systems SupportMaintains student records, including attendance, grades, test scores, and behavior data, in accordance with FERPA and school policyAssists with documentation of student progress and behavioral dataUpdates designated student information systems (e.g., Welligent or equivalent) as directedSupervision DutiesProvides student supervision under the direction of certificated staff or administration, including temporary coverage during short-term teacher absenceProfessional ResponsibilitiesShares professional perspective with the Education Specialist through respectful and thoughtful dialogue to enhance instructional strategiesCooperates with all recommendations and direction from supervisor in instructional situationsCommunicates effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with stakeholders in a respectful and compassionate mannerResponds to colleague communications (phone calls, emails, notes, etc.) in a respectful and timely mannerModels professional behavior and ethical standards when interacting with students, staff, families, and the broader school communityMaintains reliable, consistent attendance and punctualityOther Functions:Perform other duties as assigned.Periodically serve as a Lead Substitute (if credentialed).Assist in other school programs when necessary.Knowledge of: Physical and emotional needs of children at various age levels; general nature and causes of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities; first aid techniques; functioning of special equipment such as wheelchairs and braces; facilitation strategies and approaches to creating and maintaining small-group environments of safety, respect, and learning; curriculum accommodations and modifications; cultural and socio-economic differences in the student population; conflict resolution strategies to support healthy social development in children; professional skills for collaboration and teamwork with other education professionals; written and oral communication skills.Ability to: Deal appropriately with disruptive and abusive behaviors; use proper English, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure; perform routine and repetitive tasks; establish and maintain a supportive and cooperative environment with school personnel, parents, and students; complete tasks and assignments within established timelines; recognize unusual conditions or situations and seek assistance when necessary and appropriate using sound judgment; build rapport with students; act calmly and appropriately in emergencies; follow directions and instructional guidance accurately; assist in feeding and toileting of students with special needs; supervise and support students in small-group activities; create and maintain a safe and respectful learning environment; meet the needs of a diverse student population; support student social-emotional development; work collaboratively and professionally with the Larchmont Schools team; communicate effectively with all stakeholders to support student success; use modern technology for instruction, communication, and reporting.Physical Requirements: Continual speaking; standing for long periods; frequent sitting, reaching, walking, bending, grasping, and pinching; occasional lifting and carrying, squatting, twisting, or kneeling.Environment: Uneven surfaces, noise, and a fast-paced work environment. Requires the ability to work effectively under stressful situations and respond to the unpredictable behaviors of students. Frequent use of computer screens. Occasional outdoor work and exposure to inclement weather. Infrequent exposure to traffic congestion. Rare exposure to biohazardous materials.Other Requirements: Support the mission and vision of the school; exercise good judgment and professional integrity; maintain fingerprint clearance and TB clearance. Larchmont Schools reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. Larchmont Schools is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.Minimum Qualifications:(*) High School Diploma required;(*) Completion of at least two years of college (48 semester units);(*) Valid California 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit preferred;(*) Experience working with students with significant needs in an inclusive or special education setting preferred;(*) Current TB clearance and DOJ fingerprint clearance required;(*) Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required #J-18808-Ljbffr Larchmont-Charter-School