S.A.F.E. Program Specialist

## Description

Primary Function: The S.A.F.E. Program Specialist provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with moderate to severe disabilities within the S.A.F.E. program. This position supports students in accessing their Individualized Education Program (IEP) services by assisting with instructional activities, implementing accommodations and modifications as directed by the Education Specialist, and supporting student engagement, behavior, and independence across school settings.

Essential Functions

Instructional & Academic Support

• Supports implementation of instructional activities, accommodations, and modifications under the direction of the Education Specialist
• Provides support using structured, evidence-based strategies, including explicit, systematic instruction, sensory-regulation supports, communication systems, behavioral regulation and replacement-skill instruction, and small-group, low-distraction environments tailored to student needs, under the direction of the Education Specialist.
• Assists students in accessing classroom materials, assistive technology, and learning tools
• Supports small-group and individualized instruction in structured, low-distraction environments
• Reinforces skills taught by the Education Specialist through guided practice and review
• May assist with informal progress monitoring under direction of certificated staff
• Supports the Education Specialist(s) in the delivery of IEP services
• Implements daily student support plans within the S.A.F.E. program under the direction of the Education Specialist, providing consistent, direct support to students

Behavioral Support

• Supports implementation of behavior support plans (BSPs) and reinforcement systems as directed by the Education Specialist
• Assists in promoting appropriate behavior, engagement, and social-emotional development
• Implements de-escalation and replacement behavior strategies as trained and directed
• Participates in data collection related to student behavior and progress
• Supports safe classroom environments and student transitions
• Implements schoolwide behavior expectations and discipline procedures as directed
• Assists with students who may demonstrate aggressive or challenging behaviors such as hitting, biting, scratching, or elopement (running), and works with the team to implement behavior support plans and/or crisis plans as trained and directed

Communication & Collaboration

• Works collaboratively with Education Specialists, related service providers, teachers, and school staff
• Communicates student needs and observations in a professional and timely manner
• May provide input regarding student progress when requested for IEP meetings or team discussions
• Follows direction and instructional guidance from the Education Specialist to support student learning and classroom implementation

Student Care & Safety

• Provides support with activities of daily living as required by student needs and IEPs, which may include toileting, feeding, dressing, hygiene, and mobility support
• Assists students with mobility equipment (e.g., leg braces, wheel chairs, tricycles, walkers, mobile standers, crutches, and gurneys) as trained
• Ensures student safety during classroom activities, transitions, and field trips
• May administer basic first aid and follow emergency procedures when necessary
• Assists teachers during field trips by supporting students’ physical needs, maintaining appropriate behavior, and reinforcing learning activities

Data & Systems Support

• Maintains student records, including attendance, grades, test scores, and behavior data, in accordance with FERPA and school policy
• Assists with documentation of student progress and behavioral data
• Updates designated student information systems (e.g., Welligent or equivalent) as directed

Supervision Duties

• Provides student supervision under the direction of certificated staff or administration, including temporary coverage during short-term teacher absence

### Professional Responsibilities

• Shares professional perspective with the Education Specialist through respectful and thoughtful dialogue to enhance instructional strategies
• Cooperates with all recommendations and direction from supervisor in instructional situations
• Communicates effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with stakeholders in a respectful and compassionate manner
• Responds to colleague communications (phone calls, emails, notes, etc.) in a respectful and timely manner
• Models professional behavior and ethical standards when interacting with students, staff, families, and the broader school community
• Maintains reliable, consistent attendance and punctuality

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Periodically serve as a Lead Substitute (if credentialed).
• Assist in other school programs when necessary.

Knowledge of: Physical and emotional needs of children at various age levels; general nature and causes of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities; first aid techniques; functioning of special equipment such as wheelchairs and braces; facilitation strategies and approaches to creating and maintaining small-group environments of safety, respect, and learning; curriculum accommodations and modifications; cultural and socio-economic differences in the student population; conflict resolution strategies to support healthy social development in children; professional skills for collaboration and teamwork with other education professionals; written and oral communication skills.

Ability to