A teacher’s primary job responsibility is to implement curriculum programs & behavior intervention for adolescence and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. The teacher also assists in data collection, graphing, planning and leading small group instruction, lesson planning, and adaptation of the education program to enable students to benefit from educational experiences. The ABA Teacher implements teaching methodologies based on the principles of

• Applied Behavior Analysis including discrete trial training, task analyses, and works 1:1 with students.
• Other activities include teaching job and life skills to students in the community, attending trainings regarding The Victory Center’s program, and weekly staff meetings.
• Primary language spoken in the classroom is English
• This position requires weekly water activities (swimming pool and/or beach). You must be able to enter the water.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Other duties may be assigned.

• Establish short and long-range goals based on students’ needs for assigned groups.
• Assist in assessing changing curricular needs and plans for improvement.
• Maintain a positive, organized, and safe learning environment.
• Manage time, materials, and equipment effectively.
• Maintain a strong knowledge base and share information regarding best practices and proven methodologies in teaching students with autism and related disorders.
• Establish and maintain effective and efficient record-keeping procedures.
• Interpret data for instructional planning and program evaluation.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject matter content.
• Differentiate instruction in a group setting to address individual student skills/strengths/weaknesses.
• Apply principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery.
• Attending individual or group meetings as scheduled throughout the year for preparations and professional growth. Ample notice will be given of school activities that are planned during the year i.e., Special Olympics, Walks, Open House etc. Teachers are an integral part of these activities and are expected to assist with the preparation, as well as attend, when deemed necessary, by the Director.
• Planning and submitting weekly lesson plans for assigned groups in advance which adequately detail the objectives and methodologies to be utilized in a given week.
• Teachers will be expected to follow the school curriculum and methodology set forth by the
• Use appropriate materials, technology, and resources to help meet learning needs of all students.
• Provide a positive environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents, and the community.
• Collaborate with other professionals and parents.
• Collaborate with peers to enhance the instructional environment.
• Assist others in acquiring skills and knowledge in specific areas of responsibility.
• Engage in a continuing quest for personal growth through in-service, classes, and study.
• Conduct a personal assessment periodically to determine professional development needs with reference to specific instructional assignments.
• Model professional and ethical conduct when dealing with students, peers, parents, and the community.
• Perform and fulfill all professional responsibilities.
• Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• Support school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services, and programs.
• Ensure that student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area, and/or program classification.
• Perform other incidental tasks as directed by the Co-Director of Education
• Arrive no later than 7:45 am and stay until 1:15 pm.
• Follow school policies as outlined in the Employee Manual.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to interact with all levels of individuals.
• Computer skills including MS Office.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Skill in oral and written communication with students, parents, and others.
• Enthusiasm for working with children with special needs.
• Responsible and caring attitude for the population we serve.
• Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness.
• Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn.
• Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators, support staff, and community agencies.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish), a plus.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Experience working with Special Needs Children.
• Responsible and caring attitude for the population we serve.
• Ability to implement appropriate fitness activities.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR and PCM are preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.

We focus on comprehensive individualized programs with a 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 student/teacher ratio, in a classroom setting that is unique in Southeast Florida. Most children with autism and their families do not have access to tailored, research-based programs.

We provide intensive therapy based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), in particular those associated with B.F. Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. This form of therapy is typically provided to children with autism in home-based programs. ABA is a scientifically proven, systematic approach to the assessment, treatment and evaluation of behavior, developing functional life skills, nurturing a greater command of language, and decreasing maladaptive behavior such as self-injury and aggression.

The Victory Center, Inc. is a Florida-based, 501(c)(3) non-sectarian nonprofit corporation that provides children with autism and related disabilities comprehensive individualized treatment.