Special Education Coordinator

Special Education Coordinator

The Special Education Coordinator supports the Director of Special Education in the development, coordination, supervision, and evaluation of a comprehensive continuum of special education programs and services. The Coordinator provides district wide leadership to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and that all programs operate in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

The essential duties and responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The Special Education Coordinator will:

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive and substantially separate special education programs, including alternatives to out-of-district placements.
• Evaluate existing programs to determine effectiveness and recommend programmatic changes, staffing adjustments, supports, and curriculum enhancements as needed.
• Determine the need for new programs and services to meet student needs.
• Oversee program location changes, including the establishment of new classrooms or program moves between buildings, and supervise related staffing and logistical needs.
• Oversee and manage Extended School Year (ESY) programming.
• Analyze caseload data and determine equitable caseload assignments for special educators, Team Chairs/Evaluation Team Leaders, related service providers, and paraprofessionals.
• Work with district and building administrators to ensure appropriate staffing levels and assignments for the current and upcoming school years.
• Address staff performance concerns through coaching, supervision, and corrective action, as appropriate.
• Participate in the recruitment, hiring, placement, and assignment of special education personnel.
• Ensure district compliance with all applicable state and federal special education laws, regulations, and procedural requirements, including 603 CMR 28.00.
• Monitor, review, and maintain compliance of student records, IEPs, and service documentation.
• Disseminate updates regarding special education laws, regulations, and guidance to staff.
• Assist the Director of Special Education with matters related to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), Problem Resolution System (PRS), and required federal, state, and local reporting.
• Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, fellow coordinators, principals, and district leadership to support a cohesive and effective special education management team.
• Work collaboratively with families, community agencies, public and private partners, and out-of-district programs to support student services and placements.
• Review IEPs for newly enrolled students and coordinate placement, transportation, and programmatic support.
• Initiate, organize, and facilitate professional development and in-service training for special education staff.
• Attend professional conferences, workshops, and required meetings, including after-school and evening meetings.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of required reports and documentation.
• Manage annual ordering of inventory, including supplies, equipment, and instructional technology.
• Assist in summer operations, including coverage of the Special Education Office, interviewing staff, and coordinating summer testing or IEP meetings as needed.
• Maintain required certifications, including district-approved restraint training.
• Performing such other tasks as assigned by the Director of Special Education.
• Serve in a full-year (12-month) administrative role with availability for after-school, evening, and summer work as required.
• Maintain regular interaction with students, families, staff, administrators, and external agencies.
• Travel among district buildings and external sites as necessary.

This position requires traveling between school buildings within the City.

ADA & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, etc. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Must be able to stand, crouch, squat and bend over for a long period of time at intervals throughout the day.

Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communication:
Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments or directions to subordinates or assistants.

Language Ability:
Requires the…