Reading Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Reading Specialist 

If you are driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in your community and shape brighter futures, Help Group is the organization for you! We're one of the largest nonprofits of our kind in the U.S., offering diverse programs for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse, mental health, and social-emotional challenges. We offer unparalleled academic programs, mental health support, therapy, life coaching, vocational training, specialized social and residential programs, and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families. These initiatives touch the lives of over 6,000 clients a year and continue to expand in reach and impact. At the heart of Help Group's mission is a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and live positive, productive, and fulfilling lives. We invite passionate professionals to join us in supporting the development of our students, clients, and residents as we grow! Here, you'll find not just a job, but an opportunity to grow your career in a deeply rewarding environment!

Come be part of a team that inspires, mentors and changes students’ lives because everyone deserves a great future.  

Position Details: 

• Schedule:  Full-Time, Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00
• Locations: Valley Glen, 91606
• Grade Levels: Elementary – High School

Key Responsibilities  

• Provide specialized instruction and support to individuals or groups of students who are experiencing difficulties in reading and literacy skills.
• Work closely with students, teachers, and parents to develop and implement effective strategies that promote reading fluency, comprehension, and overall literacy development.
• Supervise others providing reading intervention and collaborate with classroom teachers as it relates to Reading Instruction.
• Supervision of Reading Curriculum: Select and implement curriculum for Reading Labs, train staff and monitor staff progress in implementation of daily Reading Lab instruction. Supervise any additional EANS Reading Specialists, Reading Volunteers/Ed Therapy Interns, Teacher’s Assistants, etc.
• Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify students' reading strengths and weaknesses. Utilize various assessment tools and strategies to gather data and determine appropriate instructional interventions. 
• Individualized Instruction: Design and deliver individualized reading instruction based on students' needs and abilities. Implement evidence-based interventions and instructional techniques to improve reading skills, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. 
• Small Group Instruction: Facilitate small group reading sessions, targeting specific reading skills and strategies. Provide differentiated instruction to address the diverse needs of students within the group. 
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly monitor and track students' progress in reading. Use data to make informed instructional decisions and adjust interventions as necessary. 
• Collaborative Support: Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other specialists to support a school-wide literacy initiative. Provide consultation and support to classroom teachers on effective reading instruction strategies and accommodations. 
• Professional Development: Stay current with research-based practices in literacy instruction. Attend professional development workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance your knowledge and skills in reading instruction. 
• Parent Communication: Communicate regularly with parents or guardians to provide updates on students' progress, share strategies for supporting reading at home, and address any concerns or questions. Meet with the parents of identified students quarterly to report on progress and plan future intervention.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of assessments, interventions, and progress monitoring data. Prepare reports and documentation as required by school policies and regulations. Meet with the parents of identified students quarterly to report on progress and plan future intervention.
• IEP Collaboration: For identified high need readers, track goal progress, collaborate with Case Manager on Reading PLPs and assist in developing new goals. Consult with teachers on Reading Goals throughout the year.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Education, Reading, or a related field. 
• State certification or licensure as a Reading Specialist or Reading Teacher (if applicable). 
• Strong knowledge of literacy development, reading assessment, and instructional strategies. 
• Experience in administering and interpreting reading assessments. 
• Familiarity with evidence-based reading intervention programs and resources. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

Benefits 

Help Group offers wonderful training opportunities, a supportive, professional work environment, and great benefits, including:    

• Sign On Bonus:
  • $10,000- Moderate to Severe 
  • $7,500- Mild to Moderate or Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
• Professional Development Support: