Special Educator
Every student deserves an education tailored to who they are. WCMHS is seeking Special Educator at STARS School @ ChOICE Academy, you will be the driving force behind individualized learning for youth with social, emotional, and learning disabilities. Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you will develop and implement IEP-based programming that meets each student exactly where they are — and helps them move forward.
This role is equal parts leadership and direct service. You will guide and support classroom staff through observation, training, and feedback while also managing your own caseload of students, building curriculum, conducting assessments, and partnering with families and sending schools. If you are passionate about meaningful outcomes for students with intensive special needs and thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven setting, this is the work that makes a difference.
Summary of Duties
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized IEP goals in collaboration with students, families, sending schools, and multidisciplinary team members
- Create and oversee direct instruction curriculum tailored to each student's academic and skill-based needs as identified in their IEP
- Conduct regular classroom observations and provide direct, constructive feedback to staff to ensure best practices for students with disabilities
- Train and consult with staff on educational disabilities, accommodations, and the implementation of IEP-mandated supports
- Assess incoming students' educational needs and produce quarterly written evaluations documenting progress and recommendations
- Attend trimonthly student team meetings and maintain active, positive relationships with sending schools and partner agencies
- Contribute to broader program planning and development alongside the Director, STARS Coordinator, and Educational Coordinators
Compensation and Benefits
WCMHS provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and industry-leading paid time off. For school-based positions this includes 12.5 paid and flexible holidays plus 12 paid sick days per year, starting the first year. School-based positions do have additional paid time off based on a variety of factors and oriented around school calendars.
The starting pay range for this position is $29.26 to $30.45 per year.
Qualifications
Summary of Qualifications
- Valid Special Education license required; K-21 or Intensive Special Needs endorsement strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience working with students with intensive special needs in a structured educational setting
- Strong case management skills with the ability to develop, monitor, and document IEP goals across a diverse student caseload
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with students, families, school staff, and community professionals
- Strong organizational skills, valid driver's license, and access to a reliable insured vehicle; willingness to learn de-escalation and passive restraint techniques
- Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle is required.
Workplace Conditions
Work takes place in a school and community settings. Frequent transportation of clients in one's own vehicle. This role requires some lifting up to 50lbs and ability to apply restraints to clients within agency training and guidance.
About the Agency
For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington, and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment to individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Health Services is "Where Hope and Support Come Together."
#DSP
Skills Required
- Valid Special Education license
- K-21 or Intensive Special Needs endorsement
- Demonstrated experience working with students with intensive special needs in a structured educational setting
- Case management skills including developing, monitoring, and documenting IEP goals
- Experience training, observing, consulting, and providing feedback to classroom staff
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with families and professionals
- Strong organizational skills
- Valid driver’s license, excellent driving record, and access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle
- Willingness to learn de-escalation and passive restraint techniques and ability to apply restraints per agency training
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
What We Do
Washington County Mental Health Services is a non-profit, comprehensive Community Mental Health Agency serving the Washington County region of Vermont. Its mission is to advocate for the inclusion of all persons into the community and actively encourage self-determination, resilience, and recovery by serving individuals and families coping with mental health and developmental disability-related challenges through specialized treatment, support, and advocacy services.
