EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

POSITION TITLE: Social Cognition Specialist

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

UNIT/ORGANIZATION: Anova Center for Education (ACE) School Programs

REPORTS TO: ACE School Director

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position is primarily responsible for planning and implementing the Social Cognitive component of instruction for their assigned students as well as acting as a professional resource for parents, teachers, and instructional staff. This position assumes responsibility for the design and implementation of Social Cognitive Thinking and Social & Interpersonal Skills related to IEP goals and objectives. This position will provide classroom consultation and staff training as necessary, offering guidance to classroom staff, ensuring a positive and reinforcing teaching environment, and compliance with Anova policies and procedures as well as other appropriate regulations and standards. In addition to these responsibilities provided during school hours, this position supervises and offers individual Speech and Language services and social and interpersonal skills training groups and/or guidance on an outpatient basis. This position may be responsible for providing consultation and/or training to all Anova staff upon request.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work with and consult with teaching staff. Ability to communicate effectively with students, teaching staff, administrative staff, families, and integral professionals/agencies. Responsible for the Social Cognitive programs for each student assigned including planning, organization, and implementation of curriculum. Ability to monitor staff and student performance. Promote cooperation and a feeling of teamwork among staff. Ability to listen to the concerns, suggestions, and complaints of students served and/or employees. Encourage an atmosphere conducive to helping students achieve their greatest potential in the least restrictive environment.

This position may require:

Lifting, turning, bending, stooping, and carrying students requiring physical support;

Frequent standing and sitting; standing for long periods; occasional running;

Performing physical management techniques including physical escort and restraint of students in accordance with Anova’s procedure for physical restraint.

RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Staff Training

Specific Duties:

  • When assigned, conduct school-wide in-service training for all staff implementing Social Cognition programs.
  • Attend classroom team meetings and act as resource to address behavioral and skill acquisition questions/concerns.


RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Administrative

Specific Duties:

  • Provide constructive input into the development and/or revision of Anova Policies and Procedures.
  • Provide clear and accurate case list information to the Anova Management Team on a monthly basis.
  • Provide clear and accurate billing information, meeting agency timelines.
  • On a monthly basis submit all assessments and progress reports for inclusion in the Anova Master File.
  • Provide constructive input into staff orientation procedures.
  • Complete activities as required by the California Department of Education pursuant to maintaining certification as a Non-Public school (NPS).
  • Serve on the Student’s Rights Committee, as assigned.
  • Sit on Anova Board committee/task force at request of Anova Management Team/Board of Directors.
  • Submit all administrative paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.


RESPONSIBILITY AREA: IEP Development, Implementation and Oversight

Specific Duties:

  • Complete appropriate assessments for individual students as indicated, within 30 days of admission to the program or as required/requested.
  • Design appropriate IEP goals and objectives for each student based on the relevant assessment information.
  • Develop corresponding treatment plans for all assigned students.
  • Produce all required reports within the appropriate timelines; this shall include but not be limited to progress reports and assessment summaries.
  • Effectively present IEP goals and objectives at scheduled IEP meetings, team meetings, etc.
  • Implement IEP goals as written.
  • Provide direct consultative services to students according to IEP.
  • Collect all necessary data regarding progress with IEP goals and supporting documentation.
  • Maintain effective communication and follow-through with teachers and classroom staff regarding targeted Social Cognition goals and methodologies.
  • Provide observation and feedback of Social Cognition methodology implementation, including for staff who require focused supervision regarding Speech and Language implementation.
  • Comply with all State and Federal laws applicable to the delivery of the professional services rendered by a Non-Public school.
  • Research alternate methods/materials which may be useful to the program and present suggestions and justification to the School Director/Anova Management Team for consideration.


RESPONSIBILITY AREA: Curriculum Development and Revision

Specific duties:

  • Develop and/or acquire appropriate curriculum materials to implement the IEP goals for each student.
  • Conduct planning activities to ensure program effectiveness and ongoing curricular improvements utilizing new and innovative curricular strategies, including: the review of available materials and literature, research through the internet, site visits to other programs, and attendance at pertinent and approved professional organization meetings and presentations.
  • Comply with all State and Federal Laws applicable to the delivery of the professional services rendered by a Non-Public school.


RESPONSIBILITY AREA:  Social and Interpersonal Skills Groups

Specific Duties:

  • Implement and support group activities to address social and interpersonal strengths and needs.
  • Assure appropriate parental consent is received prior to implementation of activities.
  • Conduct staff training regarding social & interpersonal skills training group activities.
  • Complete an assessment and maintain progress notes on each Social and Interpersonal Skills Group participant.


OTHER:

  • Complete other duties and assignments at the discretion of the Anova Management Team and under the direct supervision of the Director of Program Development.

 

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor Degree in Psychology or related field; Social Cognitive Deficit Training