POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a direct care, hourly position responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing outdoor learning, adaptive physical education, 4-H programming, and Special Olympics opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The position promotes physical activity, independence, inclusion, and hands-on learning through school-based and community experiences while supporting individualized educational and personal goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning: Develop, coordinate, and facilitate engaging outdoor educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, physical activity, independence, teamwork, and hands-on learning for students of varying abilities.
Adaptive Physical Education: Plan and implement developmentally appropriate adaptive physical education activities that accommodate students' individual abilities, physical limitations, and educational goals. Promote physical fitness, coordination, motor skill development, teamwork, and positive recreational experiences.
4-H Programming: Coordinate and facilitate 4-H educational opportunities, including hands-on projects, agriculture, gardening, environmental science, leadership, and life skills development. Collaborate with local 4-H representatives and community partners to expand student participation and learning opportunities.
Head of Delegation Special Olympics: Serve as the school's liaison with Special Olympics Maine and local Special Olympics programs. Coordinate student participation in athletic events, practices, competitions, and recreational opportunities. Assist with registration, scheduling, transportation coordination, communication, and event preparation.
Agricultural and Horticultural Education: Attend horticulture and agricultural classes with students and collaborate with the MSAD #1 agricultural instructor to reinforce classroom instruction, provide supportive educational carryover, and encourage hands-on skill development.
Community Partnerships: Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, including the Francis Malcolm Science Center, local agricultural programs, recreational facilities, and other educational partners to coordinate programming, field trips, and experiential learning opportunities.
Instructional Support: Provide daily educational and recreational experiences that complement classroom instruction, reinforce previously learned skills, and support the development of practical life skills.
Health, Safety, and Supervision: Maintain a safe and supportive environment during classroom instruction, outdoor activities, physical education, community outings, and Special Olympics events. Follow all established safety procedures, behavior support plans, and approved intervention protocols, including authorized physical interventions when necessary to prevent harm.
Communication and Collaboration: Maintain regular communication with classroom teachers, administration, support staff, and families regarding student participation, educational progress, behavior, and relevant concerns. Work cooperatively with staff to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain clean, organized, safe, and well-equipped indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Ensure educational supplies, athletic equipment, adaptive materials, and outdoor resources are appropriately maintained and available for use.
Professional Development and Training: Attend required training, maintain applicable certifications, and participate in professional development opportunities related to adaptive physical education, outdoor education, student safety, behavioral support, and specialized instruction.
Additional Responsibilities: Perform other related duties as assigned by the director to support the educational mission, student needs, and overall operations of Central Aroostook Association.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a classroom and in a variety of community settings. Exposure to clients who may exhibit verbal and physically aggressive behavior. Risk to exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The noise level can be moderate to loud.
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED FOR POSITION:
Experience and Skill Requirements: The following experience and skills are considered essential:
- Ability and willingness to manage emotional or physical emergencies that can arise.
- Ability to work on a team, sharing responsibilities with co-workers, accepting direction from supervisors, and contributing ideas.
- Ability to safely accompany individuals into the community.
- Ability and willingness to assist individuals with all aspects of toileting and hygiene skills.
- Ability to pass all required training, as specified by the program.
Education Requirements: The following education requirements are considered essential:
Ed Tech III Certification Required
Bachelors or Equivalent in related field
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Certification through Maine Department of Education
Direct Support Professional Certification – within six months
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) - certified.
Fingerprinted for certification with the Department of Education
Safety Care - within six months
CPR/First Aid - within six months
Applied Behavior Analysis Training within a year.