General Description

The Resource Specialist Teacher shall report directly to the designated program administrator and assume responsibility for providing consultation, resource information and materials development as may be needed to address the instructional objectives established for students through the IEP process. The Resource Specialist Teacher provides direct individual and small group instruction both within the classroom and on a “pull-out” basis as a supplement to the regular or other special class instructional program in which students may be enrolled.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This teaching position works directly with students to advance their academic and individualized goals. The Resource Specialist Teacher provides direct instructional support to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and collaborates with the general education teacher to support student’s academic and individualized goals.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Court & Community School Principal.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the IEP team with student assessment, individualized instructional plan design, implementation and progress monitoring for each student.
• Provides advice on establishing and maintaining a classroom atmosphere and environment, which lessens the impact of the student’s handicapping condition.
• Facilitates the student’s mainstreaming process by providing support services to the regular and/or special education classroom teacher.
• Administers appropriate educational assessment instruments and interprets data derived therefrom.
• Assists in providing instructional leadership and coordination of special education services at the building level and within a program area.
• Provides small group and individualized instruction when appropriate and within IEP guidelines.
• Demonstrates methods, techniques and educational strategies to facilitate student learning.
• Develops modified lesson plans and related curricular materials for use by other special education or regular education staff upon request.
• Trains school staff in skills needed to program instruction for identified students.
• Assists in transition of students from program to program in keeping with goals identified by IEP team.
• Coordinates the delivery of student services of paraprofessionals and volunteers as appropriate.
• Designs, implements, monitors and reviews as needed appropriate IEP’s for students and records pupil progress accurately and timely.
• Establishes and maintains comprehensive student/program files as required.
• Provides a positive learning environment that stimulates student learning and maintenance of skills.
• Supports the policies and programs of the Humboldt County Office of Education and performs assigned duties consistent with school, district or office policies, regulations and procedures.
• Maintains professional competency by actively engaging in employer directed in-service activities and other similar opportunities provided to staff.
• Cooperatively engages in the professional evaluation process with supervisor to ensure ongoing professional growth and competence.
• Effectively communicates with staff, parents and agencies.
• Attends regular and special staff meetings and actively participates as a member of the educational team.
• Responds effectively to the input from, and coordinates tasks with, district/school personnel as required by assignment.
• Performs other related duties.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of principles and practices of age appropriate, grade level academic guidance applicable for an educational setting.
• Behavior management strategies and techniques relating to pupils experiencing difficulties.
• Basic knowledge and skills using personal computers, recording information and sending communication.
• Human-relation skills to work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students and parents in informal settings and to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students.
• Needs of at-risk students and their families.
• Philosophy of the program and the willingness to help implement it.
• Security measures set up by the staff involved (Court School).
• Number concepts.
• Classroom computer and other instructional equipment.
• Data recordkeeping systems.
• Personal hygiene and mental health practices.
• Cultural differences.

 Ability to:

• Demonstrate competence in communicating effectively with students, parents, staff members and representatives of other agencies.
• Possess specialized skills, pupil assessment, innovative instructional strategies and use of emerging technology.
• Sit, stand and/or move about for extended periods in varied settings (indoor or outdoor).
• Receive instruction and training in relevant areas.
• Be sensitive to cultural, social, economic and racial characteristics and diversities.
• Actively engage in activities with students including play, bend, kneel, lift and sit at a child’s level.
• Read and write printed materials, computer screens and observe student’s movement (visual acuity).
• Ambulatory ability to move around a classroom and assist with recreation-oriented learning activities.
• Demonstrate competence in communicating effectively with children and parents, staff members and representatives of other agencies.
• Maintain a continuing relationship with the same students and staff over a prolonged period of time.
• Provide appropriate social, emotional and behavioral supports to meet student needs.
• Maintain emotional control under difficult situations.
• Request assistance when needed.
• Learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education for children and related to the program to which assigned.
• Communicate effectively in person and using telephone, email and computer-based technologies.
• Function independently with assigned tasks.
• Perform routine clerical work; accurately and efficiently input data.
• Be able to work directly with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability and socioeconomic groups, while maintaining a kind and professional demeanor free of discrimination.
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules.
• Ability to change communication style to multiple cultural environments.
• Recognize hazards to safety.
• Provide positive social, emotional and behavioral supports to meet the needs of all students.
• Collaborate and maintain a productive and safe learning environment.
• Organize and prioritize work & manage time effectively.
• Communicate in a professional manner, in formal and informal settings, with students, parents and fellow staff.
• Drive a vehicle and to get to assigned station.
• Collect data under the guidance of the teacher or specialist.
• Apply knowledge and practices with judgement.
• Read and comprehend fine print, such as texts, catalogs, etc.
• Prepare instructional materials, such as art and other activities.
• Move materials and equipment, including to hold, reach, push and pull light weight equipment & supplies up to 50 pounds.
• Keep information confidential.

Education and Experience

Minimum required:

• A valid CA Education Specialist credential and EL authorization is required.

Preferred Experience

• Possess at least 2 years successful teaching.
• Experience working with students who are at-risk and/or have significant needs is desirable.
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong highly desirable).

Working Conditions

This position will be assigned to an educational setting.  The employee will be expected to work closely with other County offices, district personnel, students, families, outside agencies and private partners. Assigned school site settings where multiple students and school staff are present.  Employees may be required to walk, stand or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction and/or upset staff or students. May be required to work evenings and weekends.

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.

• The position requires ordinary ambulatory ability to retrieve work materials, intermittent walking, standing, stooping and carrying and lifting of light- to medium-weight materials (under 30 pounds).
• Requires hand-eye-arm-finger dexterity to use a personal computer keyboard, ten-key and other common office equipment.
• Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over the phone and carry on complex conversations.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read manuals, video display screens and other related material and work at a computer screen frequently and throughout the day.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

The Humboldt County Office of Education is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. Consistent with that philosophy is the receptivity to consider requests to modify the traditional modes of delivering instructional services to reasonably accommodate an individual’s disabilities as long as the quality of the program offered remains consistent with the standards established by the office.For further information concerning the specific requirements of any particular assignment, please contact the Personnel Office.

Certificated TEA
Reviewed 4/18/23