TEACHER - SPECIAL EDUCATION-SALARY in Canon City, Colorado at Apis Services Inc

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Location: Phoenix Academy at Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center – Cañon City, Colorado
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday – Friday (Day Shift)
Salary: $70,000 Annually

The Special Education Teacher provides individualized educational instruction and support to adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges in a residential treatment setting. Working under the supervision of the School Principal, the Special Education Teacher develops and implements instructional programs aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), promotes academic achievement, and supports students in achieving positive educational outcomes.

The Special Education Teacher serves as a key member of a multidisciplinary treatment and education team, utilizing trauma-informed and evidence-based instructional strategies to address each student's unique learning, behavioral, emotional, and social needs. This position supports the mission of helping students build skills necessary for academic success, personal growth, and future independence.

• Provides direct instruction to students with emotional, behavioral, and educational disabilities.
• Develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Creates and delivers individualized instructional plans based on student needs and educational goals.
• Develops measurable educational objectives and monitors student progress toward achievement.
• Provides instruction utilizing evidence-based and trauma-informed educational practices.
• Adapts curriculum, instructional methods, and classroom strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
• Develops weekly lesson plans for assigned courses and subject areas.
• Facilitates a structured, safe, and supportive learning environment.
• Assesses student academic performance and learning needs through formal and informal evaluation methods.
• Utilizes data-driven instructional practices to improve student outcomes.
• Supports students in developing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral skills.
• Maintains high expectations while providing individualized support and encouragement.

• Develops, implements, monitors, and updates Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Conducts assessments and evaluations to support educational planning and placement decisions.
• Monitors and documents student progress toward IEP goals and objectives.
• Participates in IEP meetings, educational reviews, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Coordinates educational services to ensure compliance with special education laws and regulations.
• Maintains accurate records related to student services, accommodations, and progress monitoring.
• Provides recommendations regarding educational programming and interventions.

• Works effectively with at-risk youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges.
• Utilizes de-escalation techniques and positive behavioral interventions.
• Supports students in developing emotional regulation, coping, and problem-solving skills.
• Manages disruptive and challenging behaviors within a structured educational environment.
• Collaborates with treatment, behavioral health, and residential staff to support student success.
• Maintains a trauma-informed and recovery-oriented classroom culture.
• Promotes student engagement, participation, and achievement.

• Functions as an active member of an interdisciplinary treatment and education team.
• Collaborates with educational staff, therapists, counselors, case managers, and administrators.
• Participates in treatment planning and educational case reviews.
• Communicates effectively with parents, guardians, school districts, and community partners when appropriate.
• Supports transition planning and coordination of educational services.
• Assists with program development and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintains accurate educational records and student files.
• Completes required reports, evaluations, progress monitoring documentation, and educational records.
• Ensures compliance with:
  • IDEA
  • Section 504
  • FERPA
  • Colorado Department of Education requirements
  • Agency policies and procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of student and organizational information.
• Documents time worked accurately.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• The By-Laws of the Corporation and as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation.

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Education from an accredited college or university required.
• Special Education certification or licensure required or eligible in the State of Colorado.
• Experience teaching students with emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk adolescents in educational, treatment, or residential settings preferred.
• Experience with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) required.
• Knowledge of special education law and compliance requirements required.

• Colorado Special Education Teaching License or eligibility required.
• Successful completion of all required criminal background checks and clearances.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and orientation training.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong classroom management and behavior intervention skills.
• Knowledge of IEP development, implementation, and compliance.
• Ability to work effectively with students exhibiting emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of special education laws and educational regulations.
• Strong organization and documentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to utilize data-driven instructional methods.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and flexibility in a dynamic environment.

Develops and delivers individualized educational programs designed to meet diverse learning needs.

Creates structured learning environments that support student engagement and behavioral success.

Implements effective behavior support strategies and crisis prevention techniques.

Promotes educational access, inclusion, and positive student outcomes.

Communicates effectively with students, families, educational teams, and treatment professionals.

Works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support holistic student development.

Maintains accurate records and ensures compliance with educational regulations and standards.

Utilizes trauma-responsive approaches to support learning, behavior, and recovery.

Analyzes educational and behavioral challenges and develops effective intervention strategies.

Demonstrates respect and responsiveness to diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs.

Eligible employees may receive:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Life Assistance Program (LAP)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Training
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Career Advancement Opportunities

• Standing, walking, and moving throughout classroom and campus environments.
• Sitting for instructional planning, documentation, and meetings.
• Ability to safely intervene and respond to behavioral situations when necessary.
• Ability to move throughout a residential treatment and school environment.
• Ability to supervise students in classroom and community-based educational activities.

• Ability to lift and carry educational materials and supplies as needed.

• Residential treatment center and educational facility environment.
• Classroom and vocational training settings.
• Structured behavioral and therapeutic educational environments.
• Interaction with adolescents experiencing behavioral, emotional, and educational challenges.

• Trauma-Informed Care Principles
• Student and Educational Safety Procedures
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention Techniques
• FERPA Compliance
• Workplace Safety Procedures
• Fire and Emergency Preparedness Procedures

• Maintain professional licensure and certifications as required.
• Attend all required trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and protected information.
• Support organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and sound judgment.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Perform all assigned duties in accordance with agency and educational standards.

Abraxas Youth & Family Services maintains a drug-free workplace. Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, criminal background clearances, and applicable regulatory screenings is required.

The statements contained herein describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Work schedules are based on program and operational needs. Additional duties, trainings, meetings, or educational activities may occasionally require schedule adjustments.

Abraxas Youth & Family Services, an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. and Inperium, Inc., is a national nonprofit human services organization dedicated to Building Better Futures for youth, adults, and families. Abraxas provides a wide array of services including alternative education, outpatient counseling, residential treatment, detention, shelter services, and community-based programs.

Abraxas and its affiliates are committed to trauma-informed care, diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for individuals to achieve meaningful and lasting success.

Abraxas Youth & Family Services and its affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.