Teacher - Southwest Key Programs

Job Summary:

The Certified Teacher is responsible for curriculum development which facilitates instruction appropriate for students with a variety of academic competencies, backgrounds, skills, and learning needs.  To design and implement daily instruction of all core subject areas to include: ESL, PE and Vocational Courses.  The Teacher is to promote a positive climate of learning and excellence where students have the opportunity to enhance their developmental growth.

Essential Functions:

• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment of respect and rapport to ensure a positive learning experience for youth with diverse backgrounds.
• Organize and prepare materials for daily instruction while ensuring the inventory of classroom materials, may include: textbooks, furniture, and other equipment needed to assist in the provision of instruction.
• Utilize the SWK adopted curriculum to ensure compliance with National Academic Standards.
• Individualize lesson plans to meet each student’s academic level.
• Assist with the coordination of Physical Education instruction with Shift Supervisor, Shift Leader or Program Director to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Develop Individualized Educational Plans to report and document student’s developmental progress (cognitive, emotional, social and physical).
• Use effective instructional strategies to meet the academic needs of the students.
• Provide a vocational course and curriculum in a subject area approved by program director or designee which introduces youth to career choices.
• Maintain a record of student’s academic progress (grade book) for the development of report cards.
• Meet departmental and program deadlines to ensure contractual compliance with reporting requirements.
• Assist with the development of the Educational Domain Service Plan submitted initially at 21 days and 30 days thereafter as required by funding source.

Other Functions:

• Attend all organizational required trainings.
• Attend trainings that will enhance professional growth in the area of Education and/or Vocational curriculum and instruction with pre-approval from program director or designee.
• Attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are adhered to.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of special educational events to include but not limited to spelling bee, science fair, SWK Olympics), acculturation activities (to include but not limited to Cesar Chavez Day, Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year, Fourth of July, Holi (Festival of Colors), 16th of September), Educational Outings (to include but not limited to visits to museums, water conservation center), coordinate Student Council Activities and other meaningful experiences for SWK learners which promotes volunteerism.
• Must assist in the evacuation of youth as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences.
• Willing to travel if needed for trainings, conferences or to transport youth to destination if reunified within the S.
• Attend Treatment Team Meetings to convey academic progress to all disciplines present.
• Must maintain any professional or para-professional certifications acquired while employed with SWK annually.
• Ensure the proper supervision of youth at all times.
• Collaborate with local ISD to promote an effective and productive partnership. (if applicable)
• Ensure the initial Academic Diagnostic Assessment is administered to youth within 72 hours upon arrival in the absence of a Lead Teacher/Education Coordinator.
• Administer the post Academic Diagnostic Assessment within 45 days from the date of the initial assessment in the absence of a Lead Teacher/Education Coordinator.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required in the field of Education or related field.
• Must be a certified Educator in the state where employed.
• 1-2 years of paid or unpaid experience working with youth in a bilingual setting preferred.
• Must be computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, Excel)
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
• Cleared Tuberculosis test results.
• Cleared background check from appropriate entity.
• (English/Spanish)
• Cleared drug test results (this one is for Texas programs only).
• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid Certification (CPR). Must be able to supervise clients indoors and outdoors as necessary. Bending, stooping and lifting up to 15 lbs required to complete daily tasks. Job requires extended periods of sitting; use of various office equipment.

Work Environment:

This is a twenty four hour residential facility at which minors receive multiple services. Three shifts per twenty four hour period. Work shifts are subject to change. Noise levels vary from mild to moderate. Predominantly indoors, occasional outdoor monitoring or activities.