Department Head (Acting): Special Education Intervention Specialist

SUBJECT: SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEAD INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Intervention Services and Special Education Supervisors

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:
This position is accountable for providing instructional support and/or supervision to Special Education personnel, including, but not limited to special education teaching staff, related service providers, and support staff. Additionally, direct supports to schools will include targeted interventions in the areas of specialized services, data and progress monitoring in the areas of academics and behavioral learning objectives with an emphasis to promote high quality teaching and learning. On-going consultation and technical assistance to school-based teams to ensure methodologies of data collection, assessment and measurable individualized educational goals and objectives are being implemented for students with disabilities with fidelity. Another critical monitoring component will include providing professional development opportunities within the district to ensure alignment to District goals to increase inclusion opportunities and outcomes for students with disabilities. A major responsibility will also include working collaboratively with various departments within the district to promote cohesiveness within all special education programs that fosters a positive climate to support safe schools. UDL principles and research-based practices are the accountability measure that must be used to promote expectations for students with disabilities to be college and career bound as outlined in the Worcester Public Schools Compass.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (to be included along with other responsibilities)

1.Ensure compliance mandates for students with disabilities are implemented to meet the guidelines of ESSA, NCLB, and IDEA regulations

2.Responsible for exercising vision and providing leadership that appropriately involves school based and special education staff, parents, and community stakeholders in the accomplishment of department goals and the district mission

3.Collaborate with Principals as needed in the evaluation process of identified special education staff that promotes high quality teaching and learning that supports schools and best practices for students with disabilities

4.Assess and monitor special education programs, special education teaching staff and/or related services, in compliance with state and federal mandates to ensure services are implemented with fidelity.

5.Assign staff to assure effective implementation of students' IEPs, as related to service delivery goals and objectives based on entrance and exit criteria.

6.Assist special education teachers to implement and align the Massachusetts Common Core Standards and the WPS Compass as they relate to the individual student's needs to promote inclusion opportunities.

7.Provide consultation to school-based Student Support Teams regarding pre-referral targeted interventions and research-based strategies to assure Child Find and adherence to the IDEA eligibility process.

8.Monitor data and assessment protocols to evaluate and progress monitor student's performance to assist IEP TEAMS to develop measurable and meaningful IEP goals and objectives by providing support, assistance and consultation to staff in the delivery of day- to -day instruction, behavioral interventions, and related services

9.Support and assist the Director of Special Education and Intervention services and Human Resource Manager in the recruitment and retention of staff, evaluating performance and monitor staff licensure.

10.Assure the implementation of educational services and supports for students with disabilities regardless of race, color, gender, age, marital status, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability including students on IEPs, 504s, and as needed, prior to referral for Special Education.

11.Develop and facilitate professional development opportunities for department staff, related service providers, general education teachers, parents and support staff on related topics.

12.Responsible for departmental meetings (i.e., department priorities, data analysis and in-service training, etc.) for the purpose of informing staff of educational innovations and trends.

13. Responsible for assuring equal educational opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

13.Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Master's Degree and Massachusetts Licensure in Special Education, and/or a related field

2.SEI Endorsement - Demonstrated experience with second language acquisition

3.Five years of administrative and/or leadership experience supporting teachers in the areas of classroom management, curriculum and instruction, progress monitoring, and data analysis

4.Demonstrate supervisory skills for managing and evaluating staff to ensure effective program development based on compliance to IEPs

5.Excellent written, communication, and interpersonal

6.Critical thinking given the ability to multi-task with exceptional organizational skills

7.Demonstrated experience supporting students with special needs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Massachusetts Administrative/ Supervisor Licensure (preferred)

2.Three years teaching students with learning disabilities in a variety of settings and/or levels.

3.Develop parent training workshops to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities

4.Collaborate with Principals, School and Central Administrators, Department Heads, Consultants, and Parents to ensure the delivery standards of best practices for students with disabilities

5.Demonstrate ability in working with school based teams and knowledge of resources available within the community

6.Ability to speak Albanian, Arabic, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese or an African Language.

WORK DAY 183 Days (Teachers work day)

SALARY: Appropriate step on Teachers' salary schedule, plus Department Head
Stipend according to the contract.

TO APPLY: Any person interested in this position must submit a resume, cover letter, licensure information, and answer all questions on-line at www.worcesterschools.org.

This deadline date does not preclude further advertisement or recruitment.