Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection

Special Education Teacher

Full Time

New Haven, CT, US

Requisition ID: 1663

Salary Range: $56,500 To $65,500 Salary

Schedule: 40 hours/wk., M-F 8:30am-4:30pm flexibility required to meet program needs

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit company devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. We believe self-advocacy supports the growth of our individuals and collaborate with them to create services that foster independence. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities and continue our dedication to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you share our core values of dynamic diversity, caring collaboration, individual integrity, and community connection, we want to hear from you!

Why consider a career at CHSC?

Comprehensive benefits: Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

Flexible Opportunities: Part- time employees enjoy a flexible schedule, valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Select Benefits may also be available.

Room for growth: We offer a professional yet warm and welcoming workplace with opportunities for career advancement

Staff longevity and Development: over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5+ plus years, many of whom started in entry-level roles and have grown into fulfilling, long-term careers spanning 10 plus years.

A culture of Community and Compassion: We take pride in our strong sense of community, teamwork, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us and become part of the team that values professional growth, meaningful work, and in a culture of care.

The Role:

The Certified Special Education Teacher is responsible for the overall coordination and teaching of the Social Communicative Competence (SCC) curriculum for all LEA placements. The Certified Special Education Teacher will also coordinate and facilitate the general curriculum activity schedule for all program participants in the Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program.

Additional responsibilities of the Certified Special Education Teacher include teaching adaptive life skills and social competence, coordinating medical appointments, administering medications, managing student cases, collecting data, writing reports, and facilitating team meetings. This position also provides crisis counseling to students when needed.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teach and implement the Social Communicative Competence (SCC) curriculum
• Instruct life skills such as cooking, grocery shopping, hygiene, laundry, money management, etc.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs for a caseload of students
• Facilitate social skills groups and peer interactions
• Collaborate with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and vocational staff from CareerAbility
• Provide behavioral support and crisis counseling as needed
• Coordinate and attend medical appointments; administer medications as needed
• Transport students to job sites, appointments, and community outings
• Collect data and monitor student progress across curriculum domains
• Participate in IEP and team meetings (annual, semi-annual, 45-day reviews)
• Support community access and public transit training
• Provide staff coverage during evenings and weekends when necessary

Minimum Education Requirements:

Preferred Experience:

• Valid Special Education Teaching Certification
• Experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, especially adults with Asperger’s
• Familiarity with IEP development, life skills instruction, and behavior management
• Experience in handling crisis situations

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective judgment and decision-making skills
• Strong written, oral, and observational communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Adaptability to the flexible, dynamic nature of the program
• Consistently maintain a positive and professional attitude
• Ability to obtain and maintain:
• State of Connecticut Medication Administration Certification
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license
• Public Service License (for transporting students)
• Meet in-service training requirements as mandated by Chapel Haven and the Advisory Board

Do not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ+, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Chapel Haven!

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection