FOOTHILL SELPA ORTHOPEDIC IMPAIRMENT AND HOME INSTRUCTION SPECIALIST (ITINERANT)

 

LOCATION: 

Multi-District SELPA - Itinerant (serving students across member districts, including home/community settings)

SUPERVISION: 

Under the Immediate direction of the SELPA Director or Designee; under the general supervision of the special education and site-level administrator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Duties and Responsibilities will focus on two primary areas: Orthopedic Impairment Specialization and Home Instruction Delivery.

1. Assessment and Evaluation (OI & Home Instruction)

• Conduct specialized educational assessments (initial, triennial, and as needed) to determine the educational impact of a student's orthopedic impairment, including functional performance in the educational environment.

• Conduct formal and informal assessments/evaluations of student abilities and needs as required for the IEP process for home instruction students.

• Interpret medical reports and integrate information from physical/occupational therapists, physicians, and other related service providers to inform educational planning.

• Write comprehensive, legally defensible assessment reports with clear recommendations for specialized instruction, accommodations, environmental modifications, and assistive technology.

• Serve as an active member of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to present assessment findings and assist in determining eligibility and program placement.

2. Specialized Instruction and Curriculum Delivery

• Orthopedic Impairment: Provide specialized instruction and support to students with orthopedic impairments on a pull-out, push-in, or consultative basis, based on the goals and services outlined in the IEP. Develop and implement specialized goals related to activities of daily living (ADLs), functional mobility, self-help skills, and the effective use of adaptive equipment and technology.

• Home Instruction: Plan, develop, and deliver individualized, standards-aligned instruction to students in the home/community setting based on their specific grade level, course requirements, and IEP goals/objectives. Adapt, modify, and differentiate curriculum and instructional methods to meet diverse learning styles.

• Consult and collaborate with general and special education site-based teachers across member districts to obtain curriculum, assignments, and materials to ensure continuity with the student's regular program.

3. Collaboration, Consultation, and Equipment

• Consult and collaborate regularly with general and special education teachers, administrators, and related service personnel (e.g., Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, counselors) to support student inclusion and educational progress.

• Train school staff and general education teachers on: safe lifting, positioning, and transferring techniques; proper use and maintenance of adaptive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers); and environmental modifications necessary for access (ADA compliance).

• Evaluate students' needs for specialized equipment, including assistive technology (AT) and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems. Coordinate the ordering, delivery, and appropriate setup of specialized equipment.

• Maintain regular, effective communication with parents/guardians, providing updates on student progress and academic needs, and offering consultation/modeling of instructional strategies to reinforce learning at home.

• Coordinate with agencies (e.g., CCS, Regional Centers) and medical/mental health professionals when appropriate.

4. Compliance and Professionalism

• Prepare, maintain, and submit accurate records, including IEPs, progress reports, service logs, attendance logs, and consultation notes, within all mandated SELPA, state, and federal timelines.

• Monitor student progress on IEP goals and objectives on a regular basis, collecting and maintaining required data.

• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws governing special education (IDEA, Section 504) and best practices.

• Accurately track and submit travel mileage and expenses for reimbursement in a timely manner.

• Maintain confidentiality and exhibit professional conduct in all interactions.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Knowledge of Impairments: Comprehensive knowledge of various neuromotor, musculoskeletal, and orthopedic impairments (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy) and their functional/educational implications for learning.

2. Instructional Expertise: Expertise in developing and implementing effective instructional and behavioral management strategies for students in a one-on-one itinerant setting, and techniques for adapting curriculum and materials for students with physical disabilities.

3. Assessment & IEPs: Ability to conduct comprehensive educational assessments and translate findings into practical, measurable IEP goals, and ensure compliance.

4. Collaboration: Strong ability to communicate technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders and work effectively as a collaborative team member with medical personnel, therapists, parents, and school staff.

5. Organization: Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills to effectively manage a multi-site, itinerant caseload and complex schedules.

6. Independence: Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Itinerant Position: Requires daily, frequent travel between multiple school sites, classrooms, student homes, and sometimes community settings (e.g., libraries, hospital/clinic settings) within the multi-district SELPA.

2. Work Environment: Services provided across multiple school sites, varied home environments, and community settings. Exposure to various indoor and outdoor environments.

3. Physical Demands: Requires lifting, positioning, transferring, and maneuvering of adaptive equipment. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and the ability to safely lift, transfer, and position students, up to [e.g., 50] pounds, with appropriate assistance and training.

4. Schedule: Requires a confidential and flexible work schedule to accommodate travel time and the instructional needs of students and families.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions and responsibilities. The Glendale Unified School District retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of a position at any time.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973): The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, sexual preference, ancestry, ethnic group identification, gender, gender expression, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or parental status, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or sexual harassment in any district service, program and/or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that unlawful discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs. A copy of the District's Uniform Complaint Policy is available by calling (818) 241-3111, ext. 1457. Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the following personnel: Title IX Coordinator – Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson, (818) 241-3111 ext 1209, [email protected] Section 504 Coordinator – Dr. Narineh Khemichian, 223 N. Jackson, (818) 241-3111 ext 1500, [email protected] Title II/ADA: Dr. Kelly King, 223 North Jackson, (818) 241-3111 ext 1209, [email protected]