Coordinator - Special Education

Job Title

Coordinator - Special Education

Oversee and ensure compliance of special education programs (state, federal, and local) to meet provision of needed services for special‑needs students across the district. Assist the Executive Director of Special Education and the Director of Special Education in the management and supervision of the district’s Special Education program. Maintain primary responsibility for the evaluation process and evaluation staff. Assist in supervision of evaluation staff.

Consult with administrators, teachers, and staff regarding referrals, resource materials, and evaluation procedures/instruments utilized in the area of special education.

• Education/Certification
  :
  Master’s Degree or higher; certification in Special Education preferred;
  Supervisor/Mid‑Management Certification or Licensed Specialist in School;
  Psychology or Diagnostician preferred.
• Special Knowledge/Skills
  :
  Knowledge of federal and state special education law; evidence of leadership skills in special education; ability to facilitate the Special Education program with teachers, principals, assessment staff, and other personnel; strong written and verbal communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills; ability to evaluate the status of compliance laws and regulations throughout the district; proficiency in the use of a variety of psychological and other assessment instruments preferred.
• Experience
  :
  Three or more years of teaching experience; five years of experience in special education; two or more years of supervisory level experience preferred; experience working in a Title 1 School District.

• Serve as a district monitor of assigned areas of special education compliance.
• Recommend improvements in the purpose, design, and implementation of the special education instructional program.
• Establish and maintain an environment conducive to positive staff morale and directed toward achievement of the Special Education Department/district’s mission.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of special education.
• Assist teachers in identifying and coordinating an instructional program that matches the student’s individual needs and instructional levels.
• Make recommendations for assignments or reassignments of Special Education staff.
• Support the identification, analysis, and application of research findings.
• Train district and campus‑level staff to improve understanding of and compliance with special education laws and regulations and updates concerning new developments in special education law.
• Troubleshoot, investigate, and resolve complaints from special education parents and staff.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director of Special Education and Director of Special Education to oversee and manage cases that appear headed for litigation to prevent litigation where possible and/or to ensure a strong case for litigation by attending IEP meetings and depositions, assisting with responses to interrogatories, communicating with outside counsel, and other related tasks.
• Ensure that the special education department provides service and support to campuses, including administrators, Special Education and General Education teachers, and paraprofessionals.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues (Coordinator is first point of contact).
• Arrange for or conduct student assessments for those students who have been referred for special education consideration.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process.
• Schedule and supervise services administered by the Special Education homebound teacher to ensure appropriate service provision.
• Coordinate the Extended School Year (ESY) services offered through the district to qualified special education students.
• Participate in multi‑disciplinary and ARD committee meetings, as needed, to ensure appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
• Assist teachers in organizing…