Do you want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization? We are looking for a Special Education Teacher (Autism focus) who wants to assist our organization. The right candidate will enjoy learning new tasks and taking on a variety of responsibilities while working in an up-beat, nonprofit environment.

Sherwood Autism Center fosters a team environment, you will work toward one goal: making sure our adults lead active and independent lives. It's more than a career; it's a fulfilling way of life.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

· Administer national, state, and district assessments throughout the year in order to evaluate students’ abilities and design group and individualized teaching plans and lessons to meet the needs of their assigned grade band.

· Develop/Write Individualized Education Plans, organize and lead required scheduled meetings (IEP, progress monitoring, etc.) and utilize technology/software to track students’ progress while maintaining a clear record of the student’s academic progress in conjunction with each student’s team.

· Select, adapt and design learning materials, lesson plans, teaching strategies and activities to teach skills based on interests and motivation to address each students’ individualized needs.

· Inform parents about their student’s performance and potential problems as well as interpret student’s educational needs and progress.

· Complete all necessary paperwork to be in compliance with the state and district requirements with respect to applicable statues and regulations, including due process safeguards and the Missouri State Plan.

· Coach/mentor paraprofessionals and classroom assistants who work with students within their assigned grade band.

· Collaborate with each student’s support team (i.e. dedicated Assistant Teacher, BCBA, OT and SLP) to create comprehensive intervention plans including the management of student’s behavioral patterns, language/communication, and motor/sensory needs.

· Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale

Competencies:

Special Education Teacher (Autism focus) candidates who believe they fit Sherwood Autism Center’s culture are encouraged to apply! Sherwood Autism Center’s culture is described as:

• People-oriented- supportive and fairness focused
• Detail-oriented-quality and precision-focused
• Team-oriented-cooperative and collaborative

Work Environment:

As a Special Education Teacher (Autism focus) at Sherwood Autism Center You will be in the midst of activity and energy. This position is:

· A good fit for applicants with gaps in their resume, or who have been out of the workforce for the past 6 months or more

· A good job for someone just entering the workforce or returning to the workforce with limited experience

· A job for all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply

Benefits:

Sherwood Autism Center recognizes the value of benefits to our employees. We offer competitive wages, and ongoing training. Full time employees are eligible for our robust, comprehensive benefits program including:

· Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

· Ancillary benefit options including Voluntary Short term disability, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness and Cancer Plan, Voluntary Hospital Indemnity as well as an Employee Assistance Program.

· 10 company paid holidays

· Generous PTO/Vacation

· Paid Professional Development Opportunities

· Employee Referral Program with bonuses up to $500

What is Sherwood Autism Center?

Sherwood Autism Center is a non-profit committed to our mission to educate, equip, and empower children and adults with autism as well as other developmental disabilities to promote independence in family and community life by providing the highest quality services. Since our founding in 1974, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving our community though a wide range of impactful educational, vocational, and behavioral health program.

The Special Education Teacher (Autism focus) must be able to prioritize, organize and communicate with all levels of the organization. They should be able to maintain confidentiality, be a critical thinker, as well as be concise and detail oriented. You must have a positive demeanor, and great customer service skills.

EEO Statement:

Sherwood Autism Center is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment because we know that many of the greatest ideas and discoveries as well as best examples of service come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. We believe that everyone is an equal member of society and should be treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Because we believe inclusivity is critical to our success, Sherwood provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under Federal, State and local law.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Education and Experience:

· Must be 18 years of age

· US work authorization

· Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related area

· Hold a current Teaching Certificate by the state of Missouri (http://dese.mo.gov/eq/cert/) in Special Education or related area

· Experience with working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities

· Effective written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to exercise and initiate mature judgment to analyze and solve problems

· A strong desire to work with a dynamic team and advance their knowledge and skills

· Desire to work with students ages 5 to 21

· Proficient in Microsoft Office specifically Word, Excel and Outlook

· Eligibility for MO Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Clearance

· An important requirement for all our direct care staff: we require a successful completion of our physical fitness POET assessment prior to commencement of all applicable positions. If you do not pass, we reserve the right to adjust or rescind any offers as needed.

· Level 1 Medication Aid (must be obtained within 6 months of employment)

Preferred Education and Experience:

· Experience supporting augmentative and alternative student communication systems

· SCM certification

· First aid/CPR, Abuse/neglect training

· Strong writing and scheduling skills with efficient time management