Teacher of Deaf/Hearing Impaired - Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

Note:  This is an itinerant position with work being completed in various locations within the BLaST Intermediate Unit region (Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties).

JOBASSIGNMENT: Itinerant

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Teacher of Deaf/Hearing Impaired for students who require deaf and hearing impaired support reports directly to the Special Education Program Supervisor and in their absence, to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placements.

JOB DEFINITION: The Teacher of Deaf/Hearing Impaired teaches students who require deaf and hearing impaired support. This position is responsible for promoting the social, emotional, communication and academic growth of their students. In addition, also may provie instruction in the use of adaptive techniques and/or equipment to overcome problems encountered by students due to their heaing impairments. The teacher will exercise initiative and judgment in providing an individualized educational program to each student. The teacher will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team in the overall development of educational programs for the students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Provides direction and daily management of paraprofessionals assigned to the program.
2. Collaborates with the IEP team to develop an educational program that will be directed toward the development of academic, communication and social/emotional skills.
3. Collects and maintains appropriate data and information on students for the purpose of progress monitoring and instructional decision making.
4. Works with related service staff, parents, and agencies to incorporate the various disciplines into an educational program.
5. Maintains a healthy and safe classroom environment that facilitates the learning process for students with hearing loss.
6. Utilizes positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.
7. Displays competence in dealing with any physical and/or medical emergency which might arise.
8. Creates well structured objectives/lessons that are meaningful and adaptable to students with hearing loss in home, school and community.
9. Maintain regular home-school communication for the development of consistency and feedback in both the home and school situations.
10. Provide literature, articles, information and resources regarding hearing loss and services to families, staff members and peers.
11. Maintain individual student tracking and billing information in a database that allows monthly submission of  data in a timely and efficient manner.
12. Receives referrals of children who may need the services from: teachers, nurses, opthalmologiss, audiologists, preschool caseworkers, etc.
13. Create and maintain an itinerant schedule which maximizes student contacts.
14. Print and submit in a timely manner the required paperwork associated with Medicaid billing.
15. Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in the area of education of deaf/hearing impaired.
• A valid Pennsylvania teacher certificate in the area of 9205-Hearing Impaired PK-12 (as required in PDE CSPG #62 – Hearing Impaired PK-12). 
• Adequate skills in the use of sign language/total communication required.
• Possess an understanding of state and federal regulations as they pertain to special education.
• Demonstrated organizational, written and oral communications skills are essential.
• The position requires highly effective interpersonal skills, teamwork and an ability to function independently.
• Effective operation of personal computers and email is an essential part of this position.
• Experience with social services, affiliated agencies or mental health is beneficial.
• The person holding this position will possess the ability to direct, control, plan, and use good judgment and communicate effectively to stimulate learning. They should also possess a functional knowledge of positive behavior management approaches.
• Experience/knowledge in various communication techniques and working knowledge of current assistive technology is highly recommended.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ongoing education to meet Act 48 certification requirements.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Knowledge of amplification, FM units and cochlear implant process.
• Participates in workshops/seminars to increase knowledge in special education/hearing loss.
• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniqures
• Participates in training sessions on best use of IEP software.
• Participates in workshops/seminars to increase computer skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) ad able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental Demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability ot remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:  

• This is a full time exempt position working 188 days, 7.5 hours per day teacher contract and follows the schedule for which the position is assigned.
• Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
• Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.