Special Education Secondary Transition Teacher (Life Skills) - 2024-25 SY

Job Information:

A Secondary Transition Life Skills Teacher working with 18 to 21 year old students is responsible for preparing and teaching life skills to young adults who have completed their secondary education but may require additional support in transitioning to adulthood.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specially designed instruction to students with disabilities, deliver lessons and teach practical skills in both a classroom setting and real-world environments. Use a variety of instructional strategies and techniques to engage and meet the individual needs of students.
• Design and develop a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on developing essential life skills required for independent living, employment, and community integration. This may include topics such as personal finance, vocational skills, health and hygiene, decision-making, problem-solving, self-advocacy, and social skills.
• Assist students in the transition from school to adulthood by collaborating with relevant agencies, employers, and postsecondary institutions. Help students explore and access vocational training programs, community resources, and postsecondary education options.
• Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement. Create a positive and supportive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and implementing appropriate behavior management strategies when necessary.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, and other professionals to develop individual educational plans designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and social development.
• Develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEP’s); conduct IEP meetings with staff and parents; attend MDT meetings as needed.
• Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students’ progress.
• Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms.
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional knowledge.
• Maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality in all matters pertaining to students, parents, staff, and program.
• When needed, provide instruction, support, or supervision on students developing adaptive skills such as toileting, dressing, and daily routines.

Job Requirements:

• Washington Teacher Certificate with endorsement in Special Education.
• Previous successful teaching experience with students with disabilities preferred.
• Elementary and/or middle school experience preferred.
• Previous experience with supervision of para-educators preferred.
• Previous behavioral training preferred
• Demonstrate knowledge of “Best Practices” for SPED related issues
• Mastery knowledge of state and federal laws regarding students with disabilities
• Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills
• Exceptional IEP writing skills
• Demonstrate ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Exceptional ability to meet required compliance deadlines with caseload
• Excellent attendance and punctuality required.

Physical Demands:

The job's functions requires the following physical demands: Occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds); carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some running; some climbing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant reaching, handling, speaking, writing, hearing, and fine finger dexterity; frequent standing, walking, and sitting.

The following policies have been adopted and are reflected in our employment practices:

The Omak School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  This holds true for all district activities, programs, and employment opportunities. 

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX/RCW28A.640/RCW28A.642 Officer, as well as, Compliance Coordinator for State Laws RCW 28A.640 Sexual Equality and RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibited Officer, Brittney Richter, brichter@omaksd.org, P.O. Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 (509) 826-7687, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Sarah Lewman, slewman@omaksd.org, P.O. Box 833, Omak, WA 98841 (509) 826-8342.

This organization complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Persons who may need some accommodation in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Office.

Omak School District is a drug and tobacco free workplace.

For more information on Omak School District’s Affirmative Action Plan, please visit the “District Information” section located under “our District” on the Omak School District website at www.omaksd.org.

This organization requires a successful applicant to provide employment eligibility and verification of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.