Position Function/Purpose

The Life Skills Instructional Specialist will serve as an on-site professional staff developer who     collaborates with teachers to use proven practices in structured teaching.  The Life Skills Instructional Coach will conduct on-site teacher training and coaching, providing a variety of instructional approaches and interventions to teachers in response to teacher need and analysis of student achievement and behavioral issues

Major Responsibilities

1. Provide content and instructional expertise as well as on-site technical assistance and

    professional development.

2. Assist teachers in creating structured teaching and data collection systems that promote

    effective alternative strategies for students with cognitive disabilities in the school setting.

3. Assist teachers in developing comprehensive individualized support and educational plans to

    promote placement in the least restrictive settings.

4. Conduct focused observations with “next step” support to teachers.

5. Assist teachers with intervention strategies and implementation of differentiated instruction.

6. Support Professional Learning Communities by providing professional resources, assisting in the

   design of interventions, and modeling best practices.

7. Serve as trainer and modeler of effective research-based structured teaching strategies.

8. Participate fully in professional development for coaches, including peer  

    observations, professional research and reading, and inquiry sessions

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises none

Qualification Requirements

1.  Knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

 2.  Knowledge of the development and implementation of structured learning programs.

 3.  Knowledge of research-based practices related to structured learning.

 4.  Knowledge of data collection and developing Extended School Year (ESY) plans.

 5.  Knowledge of the use of instructional accommodations and social skills programs for

      students with disabilities.

 6.  Knowledge of research of best practices in inclusionary practices for students with

      cognitive disabilities.

 7.  Knowledge of the application of safe and therapeutic Crisis Intervention.

 8.  Interpersonal communication skills (oral and written) to build relationships with teachers,

      students, and school personnel

 9.  Effective presentation skills

10. Organizational skills

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met

     by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

     Reasonable accommodations will be made if necessary:

·    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; move             throughout the room and/or facility

·    Communicate verbally and electronically

·    Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls

·    Reach with hands and arms

·    Kneel, stoop, crouch, and/or crawl; and climb or balance. 

·    Regularly required to lift or exert force of up to 25 pounds. 

·    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Equipment used

     Computer and printer

     Telephone

     Calculator

Work Environment

The environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.  Occasionally required to travel to facilities within the district.  May be required to work after school and weekends.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities.  Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.