Must be PA Certified in Spec Ed to be considered

*** Sign-on/Retention Bonus Available ***

Southwood school is looking for a Special Education Teacher for our residential Choices program for adolescent males, currently located in the South Hills of Pittsaburgh. Southwood Psychiatric Hospital offers a specific program for young males who are struggling with multiple diagnoses, including intellectual disabilities and sexually maladaptive behaviors. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Identify the educational needs of students then develop formal educational plan or program to meet those needs.
• Create lesson plans to teach a subject(s) and teach students how to study or communicate with others.
• Observe student to evaluate their educational abilities, strengths and weaknesses, working with them to improve their abilities and work on their weaknesses.
• Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups or one-on-one.
• Communicate with family members, counselors, administrators and other teachers on progress.
• Work with students individually to help overcome specific learning challenges, prepare students for standardized tests, as required by state.
• Document educational plans, goals and progress, as required by the facility and the state where the facility is located.
• Supervise classroom and maintain a positive environment for learning.
• Develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies.
• Supervise students outside of the classroom setting, such as at lunch time or during detention.
• Adhere to treatment plans and participate in treatment team meetings as requested.
• Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field which is eligible for teacher certification or license within the state where the facility is located is required.
• One or more years’ experience working with population of the facility preferred.
• Must be knowledgeable of the developmental stages and behaviors for age group of students.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Current certification or license to teach within the state where the facility is located.
• CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
• First aid may be required based on state or facility.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

SWOOD