1.0 FTE Learning Specialist (Pool) - District Wide - Regular

Bend-La Pine Schools; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bend-La Pine Schools in Bend, Oregon seeks a Learning Specialist to serve as a teacher and case manager for students with IEPs. The Learning Specialist provides direct remedial instruction, collaborates with a team of specialists and education assistants, and supports students in a range of settings from most restrictive to least restrictive environments.

The role emphasizes developing IEPs, assisting with accommodations and curriculum modifications, and coordinating behavior management programs

Responsibilities

• Performs case management responsibilities, meets district, state and federal requirements, including displaying knowledge of procedures, policies and regulations related to special education, follows corrective procedures, maintains proper and sufficient documentation, completes specialized student assessments and evaluations, confidentiality is a top priority for the person in this position.

Job description

Bend, Oregon 97703 Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Brief Description

Bend-La Pine Schools

Bend, Oregon 97703

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title: LEARNING SPECIALIST

Department: Student Services

Reports To: Site Administrator and Director of Special Programs

Job Definition

Under general supervision, the Learning Specialist serves as a teacher and case manager for students with special education needs who have an IEP. The Learning Specialist serves students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities. The Learning Specialist works with a team of other Learning Specialist and educational assistants and serves students in a variety of settings from most restrictive to the least restrictive environment.

For students with mild/moderate disabilities, the Learning Specialist develops and implements program designed to provide a less restrictive alternative to the segregated special classroom. The Learning Specialist provides students with direct remedial instruction in academic subjects, cognitive processing, and appropriate social skills. In addition to these specific individualized programs, the Learning Specialist may push into the general education classroom and assist teachers with accommodations and/or modifications of curricula and the development of behavior management programs.

For student with severe disabilities, the Learning Specialist designs programs that provide for maximum teacher-student interaction in a highly structured environment. The program offers a variety of learning experiences which will help students gain the skills necessary for semi-independent or independent adult living, such as academics, communication skills, daily living skills, social skills and pre-vocational skills. Students who are enrolled in this program have an opportunity to apply the skills learned to real life situations in the community and on the job. Teachers, parents, and other specialists work cooperatively to prepare students for their transition to community living.

The Learning Specialist works under the supervision of the building principal and administrator in charge of the District's Student Services.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs case management responsibilities, meets district, state and federal requirements, including displaying knowledge of procedures, policies and regulations related to special education, follows corrective procedures, maintains proper and sufficient documentation, completes specialized student assessments and evaluations, confidentiality is a top priority for the person in this position.
• Develops an Individual Education Program (IEP) in all areas of need as indicated by assessments and IEP team input.
• Establish and facilitate meetings and discussions, including Identifies situations requiring group discussions, organizes and facilitates effective meetings, involving all participants, follows up and monitors any intended actions and outcomes.
• Communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with outside agencies, including Plans for post-secondary transition and outcomes, works cooperatively with IEP team to prepare students for a transition to community living, provides informed and student directed opportunities in both school and community setting for vocational training.
• Provides an individual learning program, which emphasizes development of language, social behavior, personal adequacy, physical fitness, health, and academic skills so competency in these areas can be attained.
• Participates in school, district, and agency meetings.
• Trains and coaches’ educational assistants, including; Creates their schedules, provides lesson plans for small group instruction and instructional guidance for general education setting, coaches and models systems and strategies to support students, provides data collection system for IEP progress monitoring, adjusts schedules to accommodate student needs, schedules ongoing meetings and trainings for EA’s, this may include coordinating with specialists. In addition, supervises safety, self-care, health care/delegated nursing procedures, personal hygiene care and mobility assistance services which can include lifting, restraining, feeding (spoon, gastronomy), and toileting/diapering supporting. Implements delegated occupational/physical therapy procedures.
• Collaborate with General Education Teachers, including Communicate and collaborate consistently with teachers about individual student needs, articulate how the disability affects involvement and progress in general education curriculum, accommodations, modifications, supports to school personnel, all student’s will have access to general education opportunities, invite and articulate participation requirements at IEP meetings
• Fulfills other duties as assigned.
• Fulfills performance standards identified in the evaluation process as required by the position.
• Fulfills working conditions and physical effort listed below.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily indoors in classroom or specialized instructional settings, with occasional outdoor supervision or participation in school activities. The position requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and assisting students with mobility, personal care, or physical regulation needs. The role may involve lifting, transferring, or supporting students and equipment consistent with assigned duties.

The employee may be exposed to escalated or challenging student behaviors and may encounter bodily fluids while supporting student needs. Participation in meetings, case management responsibilities, family communication, school events, conferences, professional responsibilities and activities outside the regular instructional day may be required, consistent with the Bend Education Association/Bend-La Pine Schools Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The role requires sustained concentration, documentation and compliance responsibilities, collaboration with service providers and families, and emotional regulation in high-needs situations. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the