The intervention specialist job description calls for an individual who is able to work as a liaison between children, parents and teachers in order to help provide the best education possible. These individuals most often work with primary and junior-high school students, but there is some demand in high school settings, as well.
Position Description
The intervention specialist provides specialized training in reading, English, mathematics and writing to students who are struggling academically; he or she also works with school boards to implement intervention programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of an Intervention Specialist
- Assesses students and groups of students using various test results to help determine placement.
- Uses data, such as progress reports and areas of trouble, to provide instruction to students and bring their skills up to grade-level.
- Monitors the progress of his or her entire caseload, maintains records and communicates with parents and teachers.
- Attends and participates in ongoing
training sessions, data analysis meetings and workshops.
- Works with a team to help identify the best practices for individual students and groups of students.
- Provide input regarding the development and implementation of an intervention plan.
- Works with teachers and principals to teach the intervention tactics.
- Prepares reports for parents, teachers and principals regularly.
- Attends the appropriate training to improve knowledge and skills.
- Participates in evaluations of the intervention plan.
- Manages and orders materials that are necessary for performing job functions.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must be able to work collaboratively with groups of parents, teachers and students.
- Demonstrates the ability to make appropriate recommendations to teachers based upon collected data.
- Shows ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers and telephones.
- Possesses a strong understanding of the English language, spelling and proper grammar.
- Demonstrates patience for working with students who may have serious learning disabilities.
- Shows the ability to create and maintain a safe, orderly environment that is conducive to learning.
Education and Experience
In order to work as an intervention specialist, a candidate should possess a teaching license in the state in which he or she applies for a job. He or she should also have a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, but a Master’s degree is often preferred. It is recommended that individuals obtain at least three years’ experience teaching in a classroom setting and perhaps at least two years working with special education students before applying for an intervention specialist position.
Work Environment
The intervention specialist will work mostly in a climate controlled classroom environment. He or she works directly with students individually or in very small groups. Some travel may be required in order to attend workshops or conferences, and these individuals may schedule outings and ‘field trips’ with students and their families in order to reinforce learning. The environment can become volatile at times, particularly when working with students who have certain mental or physical disorders.
Salary
The average intervention specialist salary is $37,000 per year. Sometimes a teacher that is responsible for a classroom of students is paid an additional stipend to act as the school’s intervention specialist; this may increase the salary to just about $46,000 per year. Larger school systems and private schools will pay the highest salaries while small public school systems pay the least.
