Substitute Teacher - Young Adult Program

Overview

We are seeking a Substitute Teacher for Thresholds High School. Thresholds High School is an Illinois State Board of Education certified Therapeutic Day School for students ages 16 to 21 years old with ongoing serious mental health needs. The school provides flexibility and support to help students achieve both their high school diploma and their transition goals. The school works with area districts to ensure students meet personal and IEP goals, increase academic achievement, graduate, and prepare for next steps.

Students benefit from Thresholds vocational services (evidence-based Supported Employment and Supported Education) and from the Young Adult Program’s therapeutic supports addressing anxiety, frustration, school refusal, and other barriers to success.

• Assumes a leadership role in the program with direct responsibility for the supervision of all students in the classroom or as assigned.
• Follows existing curriculum guidelines of school district and state requirements. Actual curriculum must often be tailored for three or more levels of academic ability and previous achievement.
• Prepares assignments and lesson plans weekly. Monitors, assists, corrects, and grades student performance.
• Conducts standardized tests in accordance with district policies and state laws.
• Shares, with other Teachers and Aides, the responsibilities of monitoring the lunchroom and gym.
• Counsels students when academic difficulties or behavioral problems arise.
• Keeps records of academic performance, attendance, and social acclimation.
• Utilizes strategies of positive reinforcement while maintaining the classroom in a clear and orderly fashion. Classroom supervision is to be provided at all times.
• Participates in the therapeutic milieu as assigned, including but not limited to supervision of psychosocial programs and other building assignments.
• Interacts with family members, funding sources, school districts, and other collateral contacts.
• Cooperates with other staff in the coordination of treatment and treatment planning, as well as the developments and implementation of individualized service and educational plans.
• Completes all required paperwork for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), including student progress reports and report cards, incident reports, IEPs, etc.
• Performs and participates in crisis intervention in accordance with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Thresholds standards. Models best practices for crisis intervention to other staff, as trained in TCI. Performs and supervises physical management when necessary.
• Practices trauma informed care in all interactions with members. Maintains respect and a trauma informed approach in all communications about members.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Education is preferred;
  Professional Educator License or Substitute Teaching License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
• Previous experience working with high school aged children dealing with mental illness is preferred.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email and complete documents electronically.
• To be able to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor. This training is provided and required by Thresholds.

• Competitive pay $26.00/Hr - $29.00/Hr (Based upon education, experience, and licensure)
• Paid time off available
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency's mission.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.