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 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.

• 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.
• 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 needed, escalated.
• 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.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

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.

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 preferred.

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Knowledge of and ability to navigate CPS data/record‑keeping systems (e.g., Access, SSM, Aspen), preferred.

• 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 with internal and external partners (e.g., parents, students, OSD staff, school‑based staff, citywide staff, and governmental and community‑based agencies).
• Excellent time…