Special Education Teacher

Job Description:

Position Title: Special Educator

Location: Saksham Rohru Centre, Rohru, Himachal Pradesh

Department: Education, Rehabilitation & Student Development

Reporting To: Centre Coordinator

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Saksham

Saksham is a national award-winning organization dedicated to the empowerment and inclusion of persons with visual impairment and other disabilities. Through its initiatives in education, rehabilitation, assistive technology, skill development, livelihood promotion, and community inclusion, Saksham works to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to equal opportunities and can lead independent, productive, and dignified lives.

The Rohru Centre is a residential rehabilitation and educational facility providing comprehensive support services to children and young adults with visual impairment and other disabilities. The centre focuses on education, rehabilitation, life-skills development, assistive technology training, vocational preparation, and independent living.

Position Summary

The Special Educator will be responsible for planning and implementing individualized educational and rehabilitation programs for students with visual impairment and other disabilities. The role involves conducting assessments, developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), delivering specialized instruction, promoting independent living skills, and supporting the holistic development of students.

The Special Educator will work closely with students, parents, caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, and other staff members to ensure that educational and developmental goals are achieved in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Individualized Planning

• Conduct educational, functional, and developmental assessments of students.
• Identify individual learning needs, strengths, challenges, and support requirements.
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) based on assessment findings.
• Establish measurable learning objectives and monitor student progress regularly.
• Review and update IEPs periodically in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Educational Instruction

• Deliver individualized and group-based educational instruction.
• Adapt teaching methods and learning materials according to students abilities and learning styles.
• Support students in academic learning, functional academics, communication, and cognitive development.
• Use multisensory and inclusive teaching approaches to enhance learning outcomes.
• Facilitate learning through accessible educational resources and assistive technologies.

Visual Impairment and Disability-Specific Interventions

• Teach Braille reading and writing where applicable.
• Support the development of tactile, auditory, and functional learning skills.
• Train students in the use of assistive devices and accessible technologies.
• Promote independent mobility, orientation skills, and environmental awareness.
• Develop communication and daily living skills among students with multiple disabilities.

Life Skills and Independent Living

• Conduct training sessions on:
• Personal hygiene and self-care
• Communication skills
• Social and interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Independent living skills
• Functional literacy and numeracy
• Community participation
• Encourage self-confidence, self-advocacy, and independence.

Student Monitoring and Progress Evaluation

• Maintain detailed educational and rehabilitation records.
• Monitor and document student progress against IEP goals.
• Conduct periodic reviews and prepare progress reports.
• Identify barriers to learning and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Share progress updates with parents, guardians, and management.

Parent and Family Engagement

• Conduct counselling and guidance sessions for parents and caregivers.
• Educate families about disability inclusion, educational strategies, and rehabilitation practices.
• Encourage family participation in the student's development and goal-setting process.
• Maintain regular communication regarding student progress and support needs.

Inclusive Education and Transition Support

• Support students in transitioning to mainstream educational settings wherever appropriate.
• Promote inclusive education practices and accessibility.
• Assist students in preparing for higher education, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Facilitate community integration and participation.

Collaboration and Team Coordination

• Work collaboratively with Activity Teachers, Wardens, Helpers, therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case discussions.
• Contribute to program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to centre staff regarding disability-related educational practices.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate student records, assessment reports, and educational plans.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required.
• Contribute to donor reports, project documentation, and organizational reporting requirements.
• Ensure confidentiality and secure management of student information.

Capacity Building and Professional Development

• Participate in trainings, workshops, conferences, and professional development activities.
• Stay updated on developments in special education, disability rights, rehabilitation, and assistive technology.
• Contribute to awareness programs and capacity-building initiatives organized by Saksham.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support outreach programs, camps, workshops, and awareness activities.
• Participate in institutional events, celebrations, and special initiatives.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by the Centre Coordinator.

Required QualificationsEssential

• Bachelor's Degree and B.Ed. Special Education or equivalent qualification recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

Mandatory

• Valid RCI Registration.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Special Education, Psychology, Education, Rehabilitation Science, or related field.
• Specialized training in Visual Impairment, Multiple Disabilities, Inclusive Education, Orientation & Mobility, or Assistive Technology.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in special education, disability rehabilitation, inclusive education, or related field.
• Experience working with persons with visual impairment and multiple disabilities will be highly preferred.
• Experience in residential rehabilitation settings, special schools, NGOs, or inclusive education programs will be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of special education principles and practices.
• Knowledge of disability legislation and inclusive education frameworks.
• Ability to develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Knowledge of Braille, accessible learning methods, and assistive technology.
• Excellent assessment, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Strong communication and counselling abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Patience, empathy, and commitment to disability inclusion.

Working Conditions

• Residential educational and rehabilitation environment.
• Regular interaction with children and young adults with disabilities.
• May involve occasional travel for assessments, outreach activities, trainings, and educational visits.
• Participation in centre events, workshops, and community programs as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality and effectiveness of Individualized Education Plans.
• Student learning outcomes and developmental progress.
• Timeliness and accuracy of documentation and reporting.
• Parent and caregiver engagement.
• Effective use of inclusive and accessible educational practices.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribution to institutional goals and program outcomes.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

The Special Educator shall strictly comply with Saksham's Child Protection Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Policy, and Disability Inclusion Guidelines.

The employee is responsible for ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students and must immediately report any concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, or misconduct through established organizational mechanisms.

Code of Conduct

The Special Educator is expected to uphold the values of inclusion, dignity, equality, professionalism, accountability, integrity, and respect in all interactions. The employee shall actively promote the rights, participation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities and contribute to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may send their updated resume along with a cover letter mentioning the position applied for to:

Email: [HIDDEN TEXT]

Subject Line: Application for the Position of Special Educator – Rohru Centre

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person