The Education Technician III (Ed Tech III) is responsible for providing intensive behavioral and educational services to children at the Margaret Murphy Center for children. These services primarily focus on increasing skills development, behavior management, and physical development activities. The Ed. Tech. III participates in the development of service plans with the Center faculty, family, and other designated professionals. Implementation of the service plan involves providing support in a safe environment, utilizing approved behavior management techniques and instructional techniques.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, or a related Social Services field required.
• Familiarity with terms used in the Special Education/Education desirable.
• Valid Maine driver’s license with a good driving record. See the complete Job Description.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Education Technician III

I. SUMMARY STATEMENT
(Purpose, objective, and functions of the position)
The Ed. Tech. III is responsible for providing intensive behavioral and educational services to children at the Margaret Murphy Center for children. These services primarily focus on increasing skills development, behavior management, and physical development activities. The goal of these services is to effect a demonstrated increase in a child’s level of function, increased skill development, and reduce maladaptive behavior. The Ed. Tech. III participates in the development of service plans with the Center faculty, family, and other designated professionals. Implementation of the service plan involves providing support in a safe environment, utilizing approved behavior management techniques and instructional techniques.

II. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ed. Tech. III is responsible for compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and following John F. Murphy Homes, Inc. (JFM) policies, practices and procedures.

Instruction: Responsible for providing direct instruction to the child (student), typically between the ages of 18 months to 14 years, with autism and other developmental disabilities. This will involve teaching skills in the areas of academics, daily living, self-help, toileting, communication, recreation and leisure, and community living. Utilize both verbal and written instructions pertaining to plans, programs, and activities. In addition, alter programs as needed for the child’s benefit, in consultation with the team member.

Interaction / Communication: Communicate directly with the child or children verbally, in writing, and through basic sign language and gestures as needed. Must be able to interpret body language, vocalizations, and physiological signs. Communicate clearly and consistently with fellow team members; there exists a frequent opportunity for team teaching.

Program Plans: Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of program plans, preparing instructional materials (scripts, flashcards, stories, etc.). Must become familiar with each child’s history, social contacts, likes, and dislikes. The ability to work independently and in collaboration with other team members throughout the day is critical.

Safety: The Ed. Tech. III must follow established procedures and guidelines in order to ensure the safety of oneself as well as the safety of the children and fellow employees. Learn and follow the OSHA guidelines and standards as they pertain to this position. Responsible for the cleanliness of the personal work location, classroom, and recreation areas. Must report any injuries, safety concerns, equipment or material disrepair, or any unsafe working conditions or practices immediately to the supervisor or Center Director. All staff is mandated of suspected child abuse and or neglect.

Health and Nutrition: Identify health, safety, and nutritional needs for the children we serve and constructively discuss with the team, concerns that need to be addressed with families.

Decision-making: Ed. Tech. III will be required to work independently and make decisions based on agency practices and philosophies, as well as manage emergency situations that may arise. It is also important that each employee be able to function cooperatively within the team, manage change constructively and represent the team in a positive manner. Training and advanced knowledge/ skill must be utilized consistently to enhance the child’s program.

Reporting: Any suspected incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child we serve must be immediately reported to the supervisor as well as reported in accordance with prescribed JFM procedures. It is also required to immediately report to the supervisor any changes in status or needs of a child or any issues that may impact his or her safety, health, cleanliness, or comfort.

Unusual or extreme behavior is to be noted and reported immediately as well.

Documentation: Write clear, accurate, factual, and timely reports and complete appropriate forms as required. Some reports and forms will be narrative and require detailed information. Reports need to be objective (measurable) information. Some reports and forms may simply require filling in the blanks or checking the appropriate boxes. Data collection, graphing, and report writing to the parents/guardians may be required.

Daily Activity and Community Involvement: Assist children in developing friendships and participating in community activities such as going to libraries, schools, playgrounds, and so forth. Plan, train, and assist the children in developing their individualized and group activities.

Psychological Support: Offer ongoing, positive, supportive coaching and direction to the children in support of their psychological and emotional needs as outlined in the child’s plan. Functions of behavior need to be identified, interpreted, and re-directed appropriately.

Crisis Management: Must at times be able to safely manage physical and emotional challenges that may require re-direction, de-escalation, and /or physical intervention using approved techniques.

Personal Care: Ensure that personal hygiene needs are met, giving whatever assistance necessary in order to ensure the health and comfort of the child. Provide for privacy, comfort, and support when giving personal care such as diapering, washing, toileting, etc. Model and encourage health and wellness behaviors to the children. Identify and address health care issues as needed. Teach independent abilities in the areas of self-care, personal care, and hygiene.

Medical Care and Medication Administration: Report and record any seizure or seizure-like activity and be able to give basic medical care in emergency situations such as seizures, choking, lacerations, falls, head injuries, vomiting, and the like. Follow prescribed procedures for giving medications. When required, ensure that medical documentation is accurate and complete and that there is proper follow-through on instructions received. Accountable for the confidentiality of medical records, procedures, and documentation.

Attendance: It is essential and expected that employees report to work on time and work to the end of the scheduled shift. Must successfully complete the JFM required training and attend mandatory training and meetings.

Other: Use of Word Processing / Database programs to produce reports or documents and assist the child to use a computer when deemed appropriate by the team. All JFM employees are encouraged to participate in program or agency committees or councils. Related duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description as needed.

Training and Professional Development: Staff is expected to attend and participate in ongoing training and specialized activities to promote further development.

III. JOB COMPONENTS
Confidentiality: Administration of the Children’s Program elicits daily contact with sensitive information. All activity requires strict adherence to confidentiality, including FERPA and HIPPA laws.

Decision Making: The incumbent is responsible for day-to-day program decisions relating to the child’s care, safety, and in emergency situations, executions of the individualized education plan, and classroom activities.

Contacts (internal and external): Interfaces with the general public and JFM employees at meetings, seminars, and training to acquire new information for the upgrade of services and practices.

Environment: Daily work activity is conducted both in indoor and outdoor environments, with frequent movement throughout the program locations. Must be able to lift, sometimes up to 50 pounds, and take appropriate behavioral interventions using approved techniques and procedures. Staff must be prepared to participate in indoor/outdoor activities as well as physical activities, swimming, etc.

Equipment: Use of a Personal Computer (PC) is required. Equipment and machinery typically found in an office, school setting, and kitchen area will be used on a consistent basis in the daily work activity.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, or a related Social Services field required.

Mobility: Ability to bend, kneel and stoop with ease. Must be able to lift or assist in lifting up to 50 Ibs., walking, and restraining the people we serve as needed to minimize the risk of possible self-injury, injury to the person being assisted, or others. Must be able to assist in pushing/guiding wheelchairs as needed. Must be able to participate in activities such as swimming, hiking, etc.

Observation: Must be able to observe the needs of the people we serve by sight and sound.

Skills/Abilities: The ability to type with the familiarity of Microsoft @ Office software is preferred. Familiarity with terms used in the Special Education/Education desirable.