Physical/Health Disabilities Teacher

Purpose: The role of the Physical/Health Disabilities Teacher is to provide birth through 21 consultation and support to administrators, school psychologists, teachers, school staff, case managers, school evaluation/IEP teams, parents, and other members of the low-incidence collaborative team who serve students with a physical impairment, unique health conditions,  and/or traumatic brain injury. Consultation is provided to assist with identification, evaluation, eligibility determination, program planning, program outcome monitoring, parent involvement, and in-service training. This position serves as the “go-to” person for PI, TBI, (non-ADHD) OHD, and Severe/Multiply Impaired SMI (where PI is one of the student’s eligible categories).

Essential Duties:

• Provide pre-referral consultation to school staff for students with a physical impairment (PI), other health disabilities (OHD), and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Complete in-home evaluations and assessments of infants and toddlers ages birth to three as deemed appropriate by screening results, medical records, or evaluation team decision

• Complete school-based evaluations for students ages three through 21 suspected of having disabilities as well as those with disabilities who are currently receiving special education and related services

• Facilitate procurement and review of appropriate medical records, as applicable 

• Interpret results of assessments to determine the effect any PI, OHD, or TBI has on a students ability to learn 

• Complete relevant portions of evaluation summary reports, including the documentation evaluation results and present levels, the identification of educational needs, and (when appropriate) additions and modifications necessary to promote adequate progress and access to the general curriculum

• Synthesize assessment data and evaluation results to make eligibility determinations using the PI, OHD, and/or TBI criteria set forth by the state of Minnesota
   

Service Delivery:

• Facilitate accommodations and modifications to educational materials, assistive technology, and the instructional environment

• Provide direct and indirect PI, OHD, and/or TBI services to infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, with in-home setting throughout the calendar year

• Provide direct and indirect PI, OHD, and/or TBI services to students ages three through 21 throughout the school year

• Gather accurate and timely progress monitoring data, regularly review student progress, and make instructional changes when necessary to allow students to make adequate progress and have meaningful and appropriate access to the general curriculum 

• Maintain proper documentation of service, in accordance with state and federal requirements  

• Identify the need for, assist in the selection of, and provides work direction to paraeducators, when necessary

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Provide input on curriculum and instruction development, selection, and implementation as requested

• Assist in the development and procurement of accessible instructional materials, as needed

Consultation and Collaboration:

• Assist in Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning for students who have a PI, OHD, and/or TBI, including attending IEP meetings, providing input on IEP goals related to PI, OHD, and/or TBI service, and determining appropriate accommodations, modifications and supports

• In collaboration with IEP teams, advise on the selection of specialized equipment and instructional materials/supplies when the need for Assistive Technology (AT) is identified

• Monitor the use of necessary equipment to ensure proper functioning as well as consistency and fidelity of use

• Participate in planning and unit meetings at RRSEC

Professional Learning:

• Provide ongoing training to educational teams, including the initial training and ongoing monitoring of: the use and care of specialized equipment and curriculum materials, the provision of accommodations and modifications, and other topics related to supporting students with physical impairments or traumatic brain injuries

• Facilitate professional learning in areas of expertise to individual student teams, parents, RRSEC, and member district staff or other service providers, as requested 

• Develop resources pertinent to PI, OHD, and/or TBI services when the need for such resources is identified, including those that may be useful in developing realistic and unprejudiced attitudes toward students students with a PI, OHD, and/or TBI

• Actively participate in the regional PI, OHD, and/or TBI community of practice (COP) as well as other relevant state or regional professional learning opportunities

• Serves as the primary contact person for communications with other regional and state PI, OHD, and/or TBI providers and associated State Department of Education Consultants in PI, OHD, and/or TBI in order to stay current with current legal and professional standards, and obtain assistance/interpretations on eligibility and other procedural or substantive matters, as necessary.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Education & Training:

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Related Field

• Preferred: Master’s, Education Specialist or Doctorate in Special Education or Related Field
   

Licensure/Certification:

• Minimum: MN Teaching Licensure in Special Education or ability to obtain licensure

• Preferred: MN Teaching Licensure in Physical/Health Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury Certification

Work Experience:
Preferred: Three or more years working in a related position

Personal Skills:

• Ability to work collaboratively on a team

• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and prioritize demands

• A passion and willingness to learn and grow

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Adaptability based on changing needs

• Solutions-focused problem solving skills

• Strong consultation skills

• Desire to work with students from birth through 21 with a varying level of needs.  

• Adept in learning and using new technology

Supervision:
Reports to the Executive Director Special Education

Physical Demands:

• Frequent computer use including long periods without a change in position

• Ability to lift 30 pounds to carry materials between districts on occasion 

• Travel within and occasionally outside of the RRSEC member districts

Application Procedure:
Apply online

Benefit Eligible Position: Medical, Dental, Life, Vision, Supplemental, etc.

Pay based on Teacher Contract
Days based on Teacher Contract