Special Educator/Academic Specialist, PATH Intervention, OSS/DVUS

Position: Special Educator/Academic Specialist, PATH InterventionOffice of Student Services/Darby Vassall Upper SchoolThe Office of Student Services:The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of supports and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.The Opportunity:Cambridge Public Schools seeks a special educator to work in our PATH (Personalized Academic & Therapeutic Hub) intervention with our upper school students. The PATH special educator is primarily responsible for assisting upper school students in their re-entry into the school community after extended mental health/health-related absences. They will guide students who need intensive academic and social-emotional support in transitioning back to school to make rapid progress towards returning to classes and accessing academic content in order to complete the school year on track. They will communicate with families, educators, and school staff on the students' support team to ensure that each student is on track academically as they re-integrate into school.Key Responsibilities:Develop and implement the academic component of the overall case management plan for each student in PATH.Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students, including modifying existing curriculum and developing modular units allowing PATH students to demonstrate competence to standards.Develop and maintain a work tracking and academic data management system for students in PATH.Proactively communicate with educators and school administrators regarding the academic program, requirements, progress, and status of each student in PATH.Engage in consistent two-way communication with families of PATH students to keep them apprised of student progress and gather feedback and information to support student learning and well-being.Engage in and participate in PATH intake meetings, and collaborate with each student's guidance counselor and educational team.Attend and provide input at IEP/504 meetings about academic progress and needed accommodations.Attend and provide updates on students' academic progress in weekly wraparound meetings.Work collaboratively with the PATH social worker to assess and triage the students' academic and social-emotional needs and adjust each student's academic transition plan as needed.Use relational and crisis response skills to manage crises and de-escalate students as needed; actively build relationships with each student in the program.Provide direct special education services to students with disabilities.Collaborate with general education, special education, and related services staff.Complete IEP paperwork as needed.Willingness to travel to upper schools within the district to support student transition.Any related duties as outlined by the Office of Student Services.Your Skill Set:As the incoming PATH Special Educator/Academic Specialist, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Special Education required, Master's degree preferred.MA certification of students with mild/moderate, or severe special education needsDemonstrated interest in teaching students struggling with complex learning and social-emotional challenges.Excellent communication and collaboration skills.Demonstrated ability to problem solve in complex situations.How to Join Our Team:Apply online at www.cpsd.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.