Come work for the Bucks IU! A great opportunity to be part of a collaborative work environment with excellent employee benefit plan options, PSERS pension plan and a flexible, school calendar work schedule.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Summary:
To provide support by travelling to itinerant locations daily and coordinating and/or providing academic and social instruction to support the educational programming and physical needs of special education students assigned to Intermediate Unit Programs. This position is not eligible for remote work, telecommuting, or off-site work arrangements.
Professional Staff Essential Functions:
Primary duties and responsibilities an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully fulfill the requirements of a position
- Regular attendance and reliable on-site presence
- Plan curriculum and prepare lessons and other instructional material according to achievement levels of students.
- Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and others to develop individual educational programs for students who are at different learning ability levels, including educable, trainable, and severely impaired.
- Instruct students in academic subjects, utilizing various teaching techniques, such as phonetics, multisensory learning, and repetition to reinforce learning.
- Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation.
Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department, as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance, support, and collaboration with colleagues and team members as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.
Physical Demands:
This position requires regular onsite presence and includes a combination of sedentary and active physical duties. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for fine motor tasks, and move throughout the work environment. Frequent activities may include walking, standing, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and positioning at student level for extended periods of time. Depending on assignment and student needs, employees may also be required to assist with transitions, mobility support, and instructional or daily living activities.
The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Certain assignments may require assisting students with mobility or physical support needs that exceed 25 pounds, with appropriate training and support provided in accordance with program expectations and safety procedures.
This position requires active supervision of students across various educational settings and the ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to students, classroom, or safety needs. Responsibilities may include implementing approved crisis intervention techniques, supporting students with diverse educational, behavioral, communication, and personal care needs, and maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Employees may work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying behavioral or emotional support needs. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must also be able to hear and interpret sounds within the environment, including student communication, alarms, and other potential safety concerns.
Regular attendance, dependable onsite presence, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, 193-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; however, hours may vary based on district assignments, program needs, meetings, training, or organizational priorities. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties in demand.
Travel:
Travel is required for this position and may include travel to Bucks IU locations, client sites, constituent school districts, community agencies, professional conferences, trainings, state and regional meetings, and other program-related activities. Travel requirements vary based on operational and program needs.
This position may require the operation of a Bucks IU vehicle in the performance of assigned duties. Employees who are required to drive must:
- Possess and maintains a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
- Maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) in accordance with Bucks IU guidelines and requirements.
- Comply with all Bucks IU vehicle operation policies and procedures.
Education and Experience:
Meet the designation of this position by showing evidence of the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree from four-year college or university required.
- Current first aid and CPR certification and updates regularly required for some positions.
- Special Education PK-12 certification required, or applicants must meet the certification requirements below.
Certification Requirements:
- Must hold or be eligible to obtain the appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification or emergency permit required for the assignment.
- If working under an emergency permit, must demonstrate ongoing progress toward obtaining the required Instructional or Educational Specialist certificate.
- Must meet applicable PDE testing, coursework, program enrollment, and annual credit requirements within established timelines.
- Must provide documentation of certification progress, permit eligibility, or pending certification/licensure as requested by the Bucks IU.
- Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining eligibility for all required PDE certifications, permits, and/or licenses.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, IEP requirements, and best practices.
- Knowledge of evidence-based instructional and behavioral support strategies.
- Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs and IEP goals.
- Ability to collect and use data to monitor student progress and adjust instruction.
- Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable):
Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.
EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer:
The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.