Preschool Prevention Intervention Referral Team Specialist (PIRTS)

PASSAIC BOARD OF EDUCATION

Passaic, New Jersey

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Preschool Prevention Intervention Referral Team Specialist

*Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, and Preschool Teachers are Eligible Candidates

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A master’s degree, or higher.
2. Hold an educational services certificate with the appropriate endorsement as specified by New Jersey statutes and regulations.
3. Extensive knowledge of New Jersey state special education statutes and regulations.
4. A record of strong instructional or educational support services experiences and skills.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Excellent collaboration, organization, and outreach skills.
7. Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

REPORTS TO: Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, Supervisor, or other certificated administrative or supervisory personnel

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for excellent academic performance.
2. Possess a basic and fundamental understanding of the New Jersey statutes and regulations guiding all aspects of the special education program.
3. Provide services as a member of the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) team in the assessment of, educational planning for, monitoring of, and re-evaluation of students in need of special services, in accordance with all applicable federal, State and local codes and regulations.
4. Use observation, conferences with the instructional staff, and various assessment techniques to make diagnostic evaluations of individual students in terms of academic performance and learning characteristics in order to identify and diagnose learning strengths and difficulties and perceptual problems which manifest themselves in the school setting. Share findings in writing and orally with appropriate staff and family so that effective interventions and programs are provided.
5. Prepare, with other Child Study Team members, teachers, and parents, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each identified student, monitor the Individualized Educational Program implementation, and participate in the annual review.
6. Monitor and evaluate the educational program of students with special learning needs, both in and out of district, through observations, review of school records, staff conferences and written observation reports to determine whether the present educational program is the one best suited for the students’ development and make recommendations for change where indicated.
7. Assure that student data maintained by the Division of Special Education is current and accurate to the extent that the annual reports for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and P.L. 192/193 are filed in a timely manner as required by the governmental agencies, in order to assure maximum generation of funds available to Passaic students through Federal and State programs.
8. Assist in the determination of types of programs needed by the schools and make appropriate recommendations.
9. Assist the instructional staff through conferences, consultations, observations, and demonstrations with classroom organization and the implementation of effective instructional strategies and materials for all students in general and for students with special learning needs in particular.
10. Serve as a consultant to the school administrator and instructional staff in matters concerning identification of learning needs and curriculum development so that effective programs and experiences are provided for all students. Recommend policies and procedures that promote student responsibility and a rigorous, supportive academic school environment.
11. Provide academic counseling in individual and group settings for students, parents, and personnel who work with the student(s).
12. Visit pupil homes when appropriate or upon request of the principal or supervisor.
13. Assist with group testing programs for measuring the aptitudes, achievement, and interests of students, and assist the instructional staff in interpretation of the findings so that programs are developed or modified to meet the needs of students.
14. Assist with the selection, ordering, coordination, maintenance, distribution, and inventory of all instructional materials, equipment, supplies, technology, and textbooks.
15. Participate in staff meetings, administrator meetings, and committee meetings.
16. Report on the status of district programs and services.
17. Maintain copies of all necessary records and forms related to supervised programs and services.
18. Prepare district, state, and federal reports as required.
19. Keep the staff informed and seek ideas for the improvement of the district. Conduct meetings as necessary for the proper functioning of the district.
20. Maintain visibility with students, staff, parents, and the community, attending school functions regularly to demonstrate a genuine interest in the students and staff.
21. Maintain effective communications with agencies and resources outside of the district, representing the district at community, state, and professional meetings.
22. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences. Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in learning theory and research, instructional strategies, and program services through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
23. Notify immediately appropriate personnel of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
24. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
25. Observe strictly and exceed, to avoid the appearance of conflict, all requirements of the School Ethics Act and board policy on vendor relations regarding conflicts of interest in employment, purchasing, and other decisions, including solicitation and acceptance of gifts and favors. Submit in a timely fashion the required annual disclosure statement regarding employment and financial interests, if applicable.
26. Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, and contractual obligations.
27. Perform all other duties as required by law, code, or Board policy.
28. Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as the Superintendent or his designee may assign from time to time and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Ten (10) months, Eleven (11) months, or Twelve (12) months.
2. Contract terms, salary, and benefits as established by the collective bargaining agreement.
3. Conditions established by laws and codes of New Jersey; and policies, rules, and regulations established by the Passaic Board of Education.
4. Tenurable.

EVALUATION: Evaluated by a Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, Supervisor or other certificated administrative or supervisory personnel.