Resource Specialist Teacher

Under the supervision of the Principal and the Director of Special Education, the Resource Specialist Teacher (RST)/Resource Specialist Program (RSP) provides program design and direct instruction to students who have a demonstrated disability and are supported by an Individual Education Program (IEP). The student’s services will be provided individually in small group inside or outside the classroom as prescribed by the IEP. The RST/RSP will work actively to design and implement the highest quality and motivated intervention in special education implementation for the school, the teachers, the students and their families.  

Duties  

• Provides direct instruction in the academic areas to special education program pupils on a one-to-one or small group basis, either in the resource room or the regular classroom. 
• Refers pupils who do not demonstrate appropriate progress to the individualized education program team. 
• Coordinates special education services with the regular school programs for each pupil with special needs enrolled in the Resource Specialist Program.
• Serve as case manager for students with IEPs that are not enrolled in the Resource Specialist Program (e.g. eligibilities such as Deaf/Hard of Hearing, speech/language impairment, etc.) 
• Monitors pupil progress on a regular basis, participating in the review, revision of individualized education programs, as appropriate. 
• Creates and maintains Individualize Education Program (IEP) records on the LAUSD Welligent Database. 
• Provides professional development, consultation, and resource material regarding individuals with special needs to their parents and to regular staff members. 
• Consults with parents and regular classroom teacher quarterly and upon request regarding students who have been admitted to the Resource Specialist Program. 
• Supports the policies and programs of the LAUSD/PLN district and perform assigned duties consistent with school, District and Special Education policies, regulations and procedures. 
• Applies effective classroom management techniques.
• Utilizes evaluation data for the modification of instruction and curriculum.
• Assists Teachers in writing Present Levels of Performance.
• Maintains professional competency by actively participating in training activities and other similar opportunities provided to staff. 
• Attends regular and special staff meetings and actively participates as a member of the educational team. 

Other duties:  

• Carry out mission, vision, and values established by Para Los Niños’ president/CEO and board of directors, as well as those established by the Charter School. 
• Participate in the overall agency accreditation/continuous quality improvement processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor. 

Qualifications and Experience Requirements   

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, sills, and/or abilities required to perform the job successfully. 
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.  English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and other staff members required. 

 Education and Certification Requirements   

• Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Possess valid Educational Specialist credential with a valid English Learner authorization and an added autism spectrum disorders authorization, or be eligible for Special Education Credential via a University Internship program.
• Teaching or therapy experience with Special Education students preferred.
• BCLAD or bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Special Skills/Knowledge/Abilities  

• Knowledge of IEP process as outlined by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and California State Special Education laws and regulations. 
• Ability to provide evaluation and screening to determine eligibility for special education. 
• Knowledge of resources available to parents of special education students.
• Ability to provide in-service training, including curriculum resource to regular staff. 
• Ability to monitor and evaluate pupil progress by observation and informal assessment. 
• Experience and commitment to working collaboratively with staff, parents, and the community.
• Experience in design and implementation of behavioral strategies and plans.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to meet program objectives. 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Bilingual (E/S) preferred.; BCLAD preferred. 

COVID-19 Vaccine required for all employees    

• Must have all required vaccinations, including influenza and Covid-19.

Physical Requirements   

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.    

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.     

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.  
• Must be able to speak and hear well.    
• Good vision is imperative.    
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.    
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.    

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff   

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:   

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.  
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.  
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.  
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.  
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.  
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.  
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.  
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.  
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.  
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.  

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer     

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.