JOB TITLE: School Counselor
REPORTS TO: School Director
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt / Full-time

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the School Director the Educational Specialist will work in close collaboration with the classroom Facilitator supporting all students in a general education classroom or through pull-out services in the special education classroom. Within this framework, they will work directly with students that have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Educational Specialist will provide specialized instruction for students in accordance with the IEP and build effective relationships with all members of the IEP team.

The Educational Specialist is encouraged to be a creative innovator that inspires and supports all education needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop and implement IEPs collaboratively with an IEP Team when necessary for students assessed and identified with a disability.
• Provide specific academic instruction for students with services established and documented on a students’ IEP, and develop appropriate educational objectives for each student.
• Case manage and monitor progress towards IEP goals throughout the school year to reflect learner’s progress toward meeting annual goals.
• Confer and collaborate with IEP Teams (parents, Facilitators, administrators and Care Team) to monitor and discuss updates and needed changes if appropriate.
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect learner’s progress and goals as needed.
• Consult with IEP team members to discuss student progress and services.
• Design collaboratively with General Education Facilitators appropriate teaching strategies for their student body, adapting and modifying activities, lessons, curriculum and projects as needed to meet the needs of all students in a full-inclusion learning environment.
• Monitor, evaluate and document each learner’s progress utilizing appropriate measurements and assessment devices.
• Maintain regular communication with parents by providing support, coaching and understanding.
• In accordance with classroom norms, carry out and enforce reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedures for maintaining a safe, secure and effective learning environment.
• Maintain a current knowledge of special education best practices and trends.
• Implement School inclusive practices to allow a safe, secure and effective learning environment through co-teaching models.
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed.
• Establish a climate that promotes fairness, respect, social development, and responsibility.
• Utilize necessary educational technology and computer applications.
• Seamlessly integrate technology tools, applications, and platforms into the teaching and learning process, enhancing student engagement and promoting digital literacy.
• Participate in the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support data meetings and process and recommend interventions for struggling learners.
• Collaboration with Facilitator(s) and CARE Team to provide accommodations and differentiate to meet learner needs.
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed.
• Overseeing the ELL (English Language Learners) program including the writing and submission of required reports to the Charter Commission and DOE.
• Providing RTI (Response to Intervention) services to learners identified by Facilitators and/or parents as needing additional academic support.
• Work closely with the Campus Director to ensure all accommodations and supports identified in IEPs are being provided.
• Schedule and hold annual 504 review meetings and additional 504 meetings at the request of the parents, Facilitators or staff.
• Utilize advanced skills in performing arts or technology to provide specialized instruction, mentorship, and guidance to students, fostering their artistic or technological growth.
• Work closely with the Campus Director to ensure that necessary meetings are held and all steps are met for students who are referred for additional support, evaluation and/or academic and/or behavioral concerns.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide ongoing support and actively collaborate with the School/Site Leadership and the Student Support Team to ensure that the mission, vision, values and philosophy is clearly understood and carried out.
• Represent the School organization in a positive and professional manner in all interactions and communications.
• Follow and actively participate in development of all guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional competence through participation in professional development activities and self-selected professional growth activities.
• Comply with state and federal regulations and School procedures regarding the implementation of IDEA and maintain current knowledge of special education best practices and trends.
• Participate in required School and department activities such as staff meetings and training.
• Share responsibility for the effective operation of the school program.
• Perform other responsibilities as defined by the School Leadership team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills exchanging information, both verbal and written. (In Person/Telephone/Computer)
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• May encounter outdoor elements (>90)/(<20) temperatures, precipitation and/or wind.
• Ability to work in situations involving the need to make informed and quick decisions.
• Ability to train and delegate as needed in mentoring situations.
• Reading detailed documentation and analyzing data sets.
• Writing professionally both by hand and utilizing computer software.
• Speak in public settings, including virtual collaborations with more than one person.
• Ability to work well independently and with others.
• Very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
• Thrive in a collaborative, team-based and fast-paced environment.
• Dealing and navigating professionally through high-stress situations.
• Must be able to physically and directly meet with Learners and attend meetings in person.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education with Licensure or endorsement for Special Education in the state of Colorado is required.
• Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education is preferred.
• Experience in educating special needs students.
• Proven effective classroom and learner behavior management skills.
• Knowledge of current special education practices and methodologies.
• Knowledge and understanding of state, local and federal regulations and policies affecting special education.
• Knowledge of current special education technology applications.
• Must be a hard working team player who understands what it means to be part of a new charter school.
• Must have a desire to create an amazing and unique inclusive learning environment for all learners

Colorado SKIES Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff.

Colorado SKIES Academy promotes equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal employment opportunity for everyone. We don’t discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, military service obligation, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Our policies and personnel practices are intended to ensure that all of us are treated equally with regard to recruiting, hiring, and advancement, and our decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment opportunities for employees.

Revised 04/2/24

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 – $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Charter school
• In-person
• Public school
• School

Ability to Relocate:

• Englewood, CO 80112: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person