School Specialist

Position: School Assignment Specialist
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans toward greater student development and achievement. OSD uses a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the School Assignment Manager, the School Assignment Specialist will coordinate and facilitate appropriate school location assignments for students with disabilities who, as determined by the IEP team, require either an accessible school building, specially designed instruction, a program with a significantly modified curriculum and/or intensive support due to the student's unique needs and abilities. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The School Assignment Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

* Collaborate with the School Assignment Manager to implement, support, and facilitate adherence to OSD School Assignment procedures and to ensure accurate, timely entry of assignment-related data to maintain live, accurate records within systems of use

* Review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans of any student with a school assignment request to determine appropriate placement

* Assist school-based staff (Case Managers, Principals, Network Chiefs) with any requests for assistance and/or troubleshooting any issues regarding current school assignments requiring attention or revision

* Collaborate effectively with departments across CPS regarding School Assignment needs, for example:

* Work closely with the Office Access & Enrollment to process assignments and determinations made through the school placement lottery system

* Work with Student Information Systems (SIS) and Data teams to prepare for activities that require increased support, such as end-of-year processing, beginning-of-year school assignments, and projections regarding school assignments warranting transportation routing

* Work with OSD Partners (SECs) and RSP Managers to troubleshoot any issues and ensure the School Assignment process is seamless

* Regularly access and review reports in CPS Student Services Management (SSM) systems (e.g., Students waiting for School Assignments) as needed to ensure appropriate action is taken and legal requirements regarding school assignments timelines are met

* Maintain weekly and monthly summaries of school assignments and data collected related to timeliness of school assignments; discuss any concerns with the School Assignment Manager and escalate if needed

* Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the School Assignment Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, required

* Valid teaching license/Professional Educators License issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with LBSI endorsement, preferred

Experience

Required:

* Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working with or supporting individuals with disabilities in special education or a related field (such as instructional roles, case management or advocacy services), including the following, is required:

* Experience developing and implementing school-based interventions, transition or support plans, and/or conducting related evaluations/assessments of students with disabilities

* Experience coordinating services for individuals with disabilities

* Extensive experience in developing and delivering professional training related to school-to-career initiatives, comprehensive support processes, special education issues, and/or teaching and learning

* Three (3) years of classroom teaching experience, preferred

* Case management experience, and/or direct CPS experience is strongly…