Special Education Department Coordinator

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The responsibilities listed below reflect the primary duties of the position; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the role. Additional responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position may be assigned as needed to meet program, legal, or operational needs.

• Evaluate special education staff in conjunction with Building Principal and Administrator of Special Education
• Provide leadership to building based special education staff through technical assistance with federal and state special education mandates
• Provide training for teachers, teaching assistants and instructors
• Participate in the recruitment and hiring of staff
• Participate in the assignment of special education support staff

• Supervise specialized programs and curriculum in programs by ensuring compliance with federal and state special education mandates
• Work with building principal, general education and special education staff to develop inclusion opportunities for special education students
• Provide curriculum leadership involving the application of the curriculum frameworks, specialized instruction materials, and the development of alternative assessment tools
• Assist and facilitate with administrative personnel in the budget process
• Oversee building based special education caseload assignments and building based due process compliance, including, but not limited to the dissemination of special education communications and documents within mandated timelines
• Work with principal(s), directors and staff to complete student and special education staff schedules and caseloads
• Work with the Administrator of Special Education to facilitate district wide special education meetings

• Schedule and chair building based Team meetings including Initial Evaluations, Re-evaluations and meetings to review results of Independent evaluations
• Work with principal(s) and special education liaisons to schedule and chair annual review meetings
• Work with the Administrator of Special Education, special education staff, principals, and parents to assign students to out of district placements
• Review and monitor students’ Individualized Education Programs in accordance with state and federal due process requirements
• Foster positive and supportive relationships between parents, students and special education staff
• Foster optimal parental input
• Foster Inclusion by working with principals, directors, teachers, and parents
• Actively facilitate communication of all parties regarding the success of special education students
• Complete psychological evaluations with projectives as assigned through the evaluation assessment process
• Represent the school district in Out of District Individualized Education Meetings
• Facilitate the grade level transition process as well as the transition of students into the district from out of district placements and as new students to the district
• Serve as liaison in matter of transportation for special needs students
• All other duties assigned by the Superintendent, Principal, Administrator of Special Education or his/her designee

• Physical Strength Requirements:
  May involve lifting or carrying items up to 10 lbs
• Posture & Movement Requirements:
  Frequent walking or standing
• Sensory Requirements:
  Ability to perceive written information (near vision);
  Ability to perceive distant objects or hazards (far vision);
  Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions;
  Ability to speak clearly

• MA DESE Certification as a Special Education Administrator/Director

• The Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools and Director of Special Education

• Position Type:
  Full Time
• FLSA Classification:
  Exempt
• Union Status: SAA
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Administrators Association collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance
• Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.