Special Education Teacher

Job Summary

At UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, we know how important it is for children and teens to keep up with schoolwork while in our care. Our inpatient school services enable students to continue their studies in a safe and nurturing classroom environment during hospitalization. This Special Education teaching position provides direct supervision and care to all children assigned to the program. Oversee and participate in the planning and implementation of all program curriculum and activities. Consistently implement and uphold all regulatory, accreditation, licensing, partnership, and best practice guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Actively support the program by completing collaborative lessons that are individualized and assisting with lesson planning, preparation, and curriculum implementation as needed. Inpatient programs – support the children with completion of assignments while in school programming.
• Regularly assess, record, and communicate the developmental progress of clients. Utilize assessment information to inform care and to inform guardians of client progress during parent conferences as needed based on program guidelines.
• Accurately complete all required documentation within assignedtimelines. Maintain current and accurate client and program records that meet accreditation, licensing, regulatory, partnership standards.
• Actively participate in assigned unit meetings, staffmeetings, treatment team, and supervisory sessions as needed or assigned.
• Report pertinent clinical and non-clinical needs or concernsto appropriate classroom or milieu, clinical, and administrative leadership.
• Communicate with familieson an as needed basis regarding developmental or education concerns.
• Communicate with school partnerships as needed to support client educational needs as well as transition planning as needed.
• Maintain a clean, orderly environment that meets health and safety regulations.

*Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors.

*Performs other duties as assigned based on program guidelines.

Educational and Knowledge Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in special education is required with at least two years teaching related experience preferred OR master’s degree in special education

•  Experience workingin a child care or school setting preferred. 
•  Desire to work with children and ability to sensitively and consistently respond to their needs.
•  Emotional stability, maturity and must show evidence of good judgment.
•  Knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate practices.
•  Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team with effective communication with other staff members, visitors, etc. 
•  Alignment with UPMC core values.