Learning Specialist

Bend-La Pine Schools

Bend, Oregon 97703

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title:             LEARNING SPECIALIST

Department:                Student Services

Reports To:                 Site Administrator and Director of Special Programs

JOB DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, the Learning Specialist serves as a teacher and case manager for students with special education needs who have an IEP. The Learning Specialist serves students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities.  The Learning Specialist works with a team of other Learning Specialist and educational assistants and serves students in a variety of settings from most restrictive to the least restrictive environment. 

For students with mild/moderate disabilities, the Learning Specialist develops and implements program designed to provide a less restrictive alternative to the segregated special classroom. The Learning Specialist provides students with direct remedial instruction in academic subjects, cognitive processing, and appropriate social skills. In addition to these specific individualized programs, the Learning Specialist may push into the general education classroom and assist teachers with accommodations and/or modifications of curricula and the development of behavior management programs.

For student with severe disabilities, the Learning Specialist designs programs that provide for maximum teacher-student interaction in a highly structured environment. The program offers a variety of learning experiences which will help students gain the skills necessary for semi-independent or independent adult living, such as academics, communication skills, daily living skills, social skills and pre-vocational skills. Students who are enrolled in this program have an opportunity to apply the skills learned to real life situations in the community and on the job. Teachers, parents, and other specialists work cooperatively to prepare students for their transition to community living.

The Learning Specialist works under the supervision of the building principal and administrator in charge of the District's Student Services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs case management responsibilities, meets district, state and federal requirements, including displaying knowledge of procedures, policies and regulations related to special education, follows corrective procedures, maintains proper and sufficient documentation, completes specialized student assessments and evaluations, confidentiality is a top priority for the person in this position.
• Develops an Individual Education Program (IEP) in all areas of need as indicated by assessments and IEP team input.
• Establish and facilitate meetings and discussions, including Identifies situations requiring group discussions, organizes and facilitates effective meetings, involving all participants, follows up and monitors any intended actions and outcomes.
• Communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with outside agencies, including Plans for post-secondary transition and outcomes, works cooperatively with IEP team to prepare students for a transition to community living, provides informed and student directed opportunities in both school and community setting for vocational training.  
• Provides an individual learning program, which emphasizes development of language, social behavior, personal adequacy, physical fitness, health, and academic skills so competency in these areas can be attained.
• Participates in school, district, and agency meetings.
• Trains and coaches’ educational assistants, including; Creates their schedules, provides lesson plans for small group instruction and instructional guidance for general education setting, coaches and models systems and strategies to support students, provides data collection system for IEP progress monitoring, adjusts schedules to accommodate student needs, schedules ongoing meetings and trainings for EA’s, this may include coordinating with specialists.  In addition, supervises safety, self-care, health care/delegated nursing procedures, personal hygiene care and mobility assistance services which can include lifting, restraining, feeding (spoon, gastronomy), and toileting/diapering supporting.  Implements delegated occupational/physical therapy procedures. 
• Collaborate with General Education Teachers, including Communicate and collaborate consistently with teachers about individual student needs, articulate how the disability affects involvement and progress in general education curriculum, accommodations, modifications, supports to school personnel, all student’s will have access to general education opportunities, invite and articulate participation requirements at IEP meetings
• Fulfills other duties as assigned.
• Fulfills performance standards identified in the evaluation process as required by the position.
• Fulfills working conditions and physical effort listed below.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily indoors in classroom or specialized instructional settings, with occasional outdoor supervision or participation in school activities. The position requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and assisting students with mobility, personal care, or physical regulation needs. The role may involve lifting, transferring, or supporting students and equipment consistent with assigned duties.

The employee may be exposed to escalated or challenging student behaviors and may encounter bodily fluids while supporting student needs. Participation in meetings, case management responsibilities, family communication, school events, conferences, professional responsibilities and activities outside the regular instructional day may be required, consistent with the Bend Education Association/Bend-La Pine Schools Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The role requires sustained concentration, documentation and compliance responsibilities, collaboration with service providers and families, and emotional regulation in high-needs situations. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Current concepts, methods and procedures for curriculum development and implementation.
• Laws, rules, policies, and trends regarding instruction.
• Techniques in evaluation and assessment of learning and human development.
• Behavior management and communication techniques.
• Understand differentiated instruction, this may include modified expectations, course content, extended instruction, adapted levels of curriculum, behavior intervention strategies and technology use.
• Current technology, instructional knowledge and equipment used in the workplace, as required by the position.

Skills and Abilities:

Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Maintain a good working relationship with special programs and school personnel and to work effectively as a team member. Works well with others from diverse backgrounds.  Focuses on solving conflicts; maintains confidentiality, listens to others; remains open to others’ ideas and contributes to building a positive team environment. 
• Demonstrates an ability to successfully work with students and public.
• Learn the operation of current technology, and other equipment used in the work, as required by the position.
• Adhere to the federal requirements of a drug-free workplace.
• Perform the duties as required by the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (OAR 584-20-000 to 035).
• Ability to read fluently; communicate, understand, and carry out verbal and written instructions. Demonstrate basic mathematical functions.
• Accurately record and convey information, materials and money, as required by the position.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately in speech and in writing in accordance with educational standards.
• Other certifications/trainings as required to execute the essential functions and duties and responsibilities for these positions (ie: bodily fluids, blood sugar testing, bee stings, dispensing of prescription medication)
• Obtain or possess a valid Oregon driver's license and maintain an insurable status for automobile and liability coverage, as required by the position.
• Complete all required special education forms and processes within specific timelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Background and experience with students with disabilities.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

Valid Oregon teaching license with special education endorsement in the designated assignment. Dual or multiple endorsements or designated as high qualified for core academic areas.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibility, skill, or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the positions activities and requirements, the District reserves the right to modify, and or remove duties and assign duties as necessary that still reflect the essential functions of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable. 

Expectations of Professional Conduct: 

Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are expected to adhere to all Bend-La Pine Schools policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with established procedures and expectations. They are to prioritize the well-being of students, aligning their conduct with the core values of public education and the mission, vision, and goals of Bend-La Pine Schools. This entails maintaining consistent and punctual attendance while adhering to site and/or district protocols for reporting absences.

Professionalism extends to personal presentation, with employees expected to maintain attire and grooming appropriate to their roles. While carrying out everyday tasks independently, it's essential to maintain professionalism in how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with students, parents/guardians, the public, and colleagues. This includes valuing and respecting cultural and background differences. Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are entrusted with fostering a respectful working and learning environment, upholding confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information at all times.

The statements herein reflect the general nature and level of work expected in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. 

Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed to support district operations, provide coverage, and ensure the effective functioning of the organization. This may include location changes to the assignment in order to address developing district needs.

Requirements

Please Provide:

Resume

Cover Letter

2 Letters of Recommendation

License

Transcripts are not needed as part of the application but are required prior to employment for salary placement purposes. 

INTERNAL CERTIFIED APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Resume

Cover Letter

1 Letter of Recommendation

If you would like to include more than the one required letter of recommendation, you may do so.

Note to Current Employees: The system will not allow you to directly upload supporting materials, so please email supporting documents to [email protected]