Job Information
University of Southern Mississippi Special Instructor in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Special Instructor
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Special Instructor.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division School of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded Yes
Posting Close Date July 19, 2024
Job Summary
This position is housed with The Children's Center for Communication and Development. The special instructor (SI) would conduct diagnostic assessments as part of the transdisciplinary team, provide center based, home-based, and/or community based educational services. The SI will maintain a caseload of 5-25 children, as dictated by the need and frequency of service provision and will provide training to parents/caregivers regularly as a part of intervention, along with supervision of pre-professional students. Additionally, the position will provide service coordination through the state's early intervention program, First Steps, for children enrolled in the program with collaboration from the interdisciplinary team of specialists at the Center.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Provides intervention for 5-25 infant to preschool-aged children with moderate-severe communication and developmental disabilities in a classroom and/or home/community based settings while working with multiple disciplines and supporting families.
Conducts comprehensive assessments, participates in transdisciplinary team, and completes reports with educational recommendations and accommodations/modifications. Assists with Child Find activities for both Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) law for Part C and Part B.
Maintains appropriate documentation for both Mississippi Department of Health and Mississippi Department of Education eligibility rulings and federal and state guidelines for students with disabilities in need of intervention. Develops and supports Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) through First Steps for children enrolled.
Conducts conferences, workshops, and trainings with colleagues, university students and parents/guardians of children with disabilities or those at risk (e.g., infants at the neonatal intensive care unit follow up clinic).
Coordinates referral, evaluation/assessment, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) development and maintenance, provision of services, and transition to school district, meeting all federal indicators for successful provision of services under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C for children ages birth to 3 years.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s degree or higher specific to early childhood education or special education from an accredited college or university and three years’ experience working with young children and families.
Minimum Experience:
Three-year minimum experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Pediatric, transdisciplinary experience
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:
Must hold State certification from the Mississippi Department of Education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, with knowledge of electronic health record system.
Skilled in communication and consistent follow-up.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect regarding sensitive information Ability to interpret and disseminate information from federal and state policies and code for the provision of service coordination and direct services under the IDEA law Part C.
Skilled in creating organizational systems and following procedures.
Knowledge of parent communication and coaching.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.