Vista Haven Teacher

The Teacher at Vista Haven, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is responsible for the planning, implementing, and administering curriculum developed and facilitated for youth in compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. The teacher is responsible for classroom operations, supervision, planning, instruction and setting educational goals and objectives.  They track youth progress and inform the treatment team of this.The teacher demonstrates knowledge of trauma-informed care and infuses the framework, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), in their daily interactions with staff and youth. Teachers are in an assigned classroom 5 days per week, year round. Will provide a multi-subject curriculum for age groups 13-17.

 

Essential Job Duties (other duties may be assigned):

1. Educational services must be provided based on each youth's academic development, literacy

           level, and linguistic ability. Each youth must receive a minimum of six hours of structured

           education, Monday through Friday, throughout the year in basic academic areas (Science, Social

          Studies, Math, Reading, Writing, Physical Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL), if

           applicable).

 

1. Develop and implement lesson plans, curriculum, and engaging educational activities that align

          with program objectives, contract standards, and the diverse academic and developmental needs

         of youth.

 

1. They are responsible for classroom operations, supervision, planning, instruction, and setting

           educational goals and objectives. They track youth progress, assignment completion or

           challenges, behavior management provided, and attendance, and inform the treatment team of

           any changes.

 

1. Maintains continuous line-of-sight and/or sound supervision and active monitoring of youth at all

          times—including during classroom instruction, transitions, recreational activities, and all other

         program activities—to ensure their safety, security, well-being, accountability, and compliance

         with ORR policies, program procedures, monitoring requirements, and required staff-to-youth

         ratios.

 

1. Completes administrative duties, including maintaining, filing, uploading, and organizing required

           student and program records, ensuring documentation is accurate, confidential, and completed

           within established timelines and ORR program requirements.

 

1. Conducts an initial educational assessment within 72 hours of a youth’s admission to the facility

          to determine academic level, identify educational strengths and needs, and inform individualized

          instructional planning and support services.

 

1. Maintains classroom management and supports positive youth behavior by observing,

          addressing, and redirecting challenging behaviors using developmentally appropriate techniques

          that promote safety, respect, accountability, and a positive learning environment.

 

1. Responsible for the overall operation and management of an assigned classroom, maintaining

          required staff-to-youth ratios (1:6), and supervising, supporting, and training up to three (3)

          Teacher Aides in all aspects of classroom activities and responsibilities.

 

1. Reports and documents any incidents, safety concerns, behavioral concerns, disclosures, injuries,

          or significant events involving youth in accordance with ORR requirements, program policies, and

          established reporting timelines, including immediately notifying appropriate supervisory staff

          when required.

 

Secondary Duties:

1. Provides individualized academic support to youth by adapting instruction, assignments, and

          learning strategies based on each youth’s educational level, learning needs, language abilities,

          and developmental considerations.

 

1. Develops and implements lesson plans, curriculum, and educational activities that address

          the needs of youth with varying academic levels, ages, learning styles, and educational

          backgrounds while supporting identified learning goals and ORR education requirements.

 

1. Evaluates youth assignments and educational progress, provides appropriate feedback, and

          maintains documentation of academic performance and progress toward educational goals.

 

1. Collaborates with education staff, case management, clinical staff, Youth Care staff, and other

          program personnel to support youth educational progress, behavioral needs, and overall

         well-being.

 

1. Maintains classroom management by implementing structured routines, expectations, and

          developmentally appropriate behavior support strategies that promote safety, accountability,

         and a positive learning environment.

 

1. Creates and maintains a safe, supportive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed

           classroom environment that promotes academic learning, positive social interactions, and

           youth development.

 

1. Demonstrates knowledge of adolescent development and the unique educational, behavioral,

          and social-emotional needs of unaccompanied children, including youth with limited English

          proficiency, learning needs, and histories of trauma.

 

1. Maintains professional communication and completes required written documentation,

          reports, and records while effectively communicating with youth, staff, and internal or

          external program partners.

 

1. Completes additional education-related responsibilities and program duties as assigned by

          the Program Director and/or Assistant Program Director to support program operations and

         compliance with ORR requirements.

 

Qualifications Required:

To perform this job successfully, the applicant must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required;

reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions. Training and experience working with youth who have experienced trauma.

 

1. Bachelor’s degree in related field

 

1. Certification by the relevant governing authority (e.g., Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or

           Education Specialist), Teaching English as a Second Language/Teaching English to Speakers of Other

           Languages certification (i.e., TESL/TESOL certification), or other appropriate accrediting body

 

1. At least 1 year of experience working in a school or youth treatment setting is preferred.

 

1. Able to interrupt physical and verbal altercations among youths using training from the CPI-

          Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and de-escalation skills, provide support and care via a trauma-

          informed lens acquired from TSI- Risking Connections training, administer CPR/First Aid, and

          perform basic lifting.

 

1. Excellent organizational and time management skills and work ethic.

 

1. Training and experience working with children who have experienced trauma are preferred.

 

1. Bilingual in any language preferred.

 

1. Be at least 21 years old.

 

Must fulfill all requirements of employment, including clearance of all required background records (e.g., Department of Justice, Youth Abuse, California Community Care Licensing, County Sanction List, etc.), professional reference checks, physical examination with TB test, and drug screening.