STARS School Special Educator

Washington County Mental Health Services Inc; Vermont; On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

12 holidays + 12 sick days

Job summary

Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) seeks a Special Educator for STARS School @ CHOICE Academy. You will drive individualized IEP-based programming, lead classroom staff through training, and manage your own caseload while developing tailored curricula for youth with social, emotional, and learning disabilities.

You will collaborate with families, sending schools, and a multidisciplinary team to advance meaningful outcomes for students with intensive needs in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Valid Special Education license; K-21 or Intensive Special Needs endorsement preferred.
• Experience working with students with intensive needs in structured educational settings.
• Strong case management and ability to document IEP goals across caseload.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals with families and multidisciplinary team.
• Create and oversee direct instruction curriculum tailored to each student's needs.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide direct feedback to staff on best practices.
• Train and consult staff on education disabilities, accommodations, and IEP supports.
• Assess incoming students' educational needs and document quarterly evaluations.
• Attend trimonthly student team meetings and maintain relationships with schools/partners.
• Contribute to program planning with the Director and STARS Coordinators.

Skills

Special Education

IEP development

Collaboration

Case management

Observation & feedback

Communication

Education

Special Education license

K-21 endorsement

Intensive Special Needs endorsement

Tools

De-escalation techniques

Job description

Special EducatorEvery student deserves an education tailored to who they are. WCMHS is seeking Special Educator at STARS School @ ChOICE Academy, you will be the driving force behind individualized learning for youth with social, emotional, and learning disabilities. Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you will develop and implement IEP-based programming that meets each student exactly where they are — and helps them move forward.This role is equal parts leadership and direct service. You will guide and support classroom staff through observation, training, and feedback while also managing your own caseload of students, building curriculum, conducting assessments, and partnering with families and sending schools. If you are passionate about meaningful outcomes for students with intensive special needs and thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven setting, this is the work that makes a difference.Summary of DutiesDevelop, implement, and monitor individualized IEP goals in collaboration with students, families, sending schools, and multidisciplinary team membersCreate and oversee direct instruction curriculum tailored to each student's academic and skill-based needs as identified in their IEPConduct regular classroom observations and provide direct, constructive feedback to staff to ensure best practices for students with disabilitiesTrain and consult with staff on educational disabilities, accommodations, and the implementation of IEP-mandated supportsAssess incoming students' educational needs and produce quarterly written evaluations documenting progress and recommendationsAttend trimonthly student team meetings and maintain active, positive relationships with sending schools and partner agenciesContribute to broader program planning and development alongside the Director, STARS Coordinator, and Educational CoordinatorsCompensation and BenefitsWCMHS provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and industry-leading paid time off. For school-based positions this includes 12.5 paid and flexible holidays plus 12 paid sick days per year, starting the first year. School-based positions do have additional paid time off based on a variety of factors and oriented around school calendars.The starting pay range for this position is $29.26 to $30.45 per year.Summary of QualificationsValid Special Education license required; K-21 or Intensive Special Needs endorsement strongly preferredDemonstrated experience working with students with intensive special needs in a structured educational settingStrong case management skills with the ability to develop, monitor, and document IEP goals across a diverse student caseloadExcellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with students, families, school staff, and community professionalsStrong organizational skills, valid driver's license, and access to a reliable insured vehicle; willingness to learn de-escalation and passive restraint techniquesValid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle is required.Workplace ConditionsWork takes place in a school and community settings. Frequent transportation of clients in one's own vehicle. This role requires some lifting up to 50lbs and ability to apply restraints to clients within agency training and guidance.About the AgencyFor more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington, and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment to individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Health Services is "Where Hope and Support Come Together."#DSP