School Specialist

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 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 on a salary basis.

• 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 troubleshoot issues regarding current school assignments requiring attention or revision.
• Collaborate effectively with departments across CPS regarding School Assignment needs, including:
  • 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, if necessary, raise escalation.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 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 (e.g., instructional roles, case management, advocacy services).
  • 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 preferred.
• Other Requirements
  • Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (preferred).
  • Knowledge of and ability to navigate CPS data/recordkeeping systems (e.g., Access, SSM, Aspen) (preferred).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong knowledge of relevant regulations and procedures stipulated in IDEA 2004 and Illinois School Code.
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, respond promptly to multiple constituencies, and meet continuous critical deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with a variety of constituent groups from diverse backgrounds, including internal and external partners.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with minimal supervision while maintaining high accuracy.
  • Capable of developing strong…