26-27 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.

Management of Staff

• 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.

Management of Program

• 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 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 principals, 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.
• Facilitate development and compliance of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Schedule and chair building-based Team meetings, including Initial Evaluations, Re-evaluations, and meetings to review results of Independent evaluations.
• Work with principals 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 matters of transportation for special needs students.
• All other duties assigned by the Superintendent, Principal, Administrator of Special Education, or his/her designee.

Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the positions essential functions.

• 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

• MA DESE Certification as a Special Education Administrator.

Director

Reporting Relationships

• The Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools

Position Details

• Location: Central Office
• District-Wide: Yes
• Department: Special Education
• Union Affiliation: Union
• Terms of Employment: Work Year (205 work days)
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Union: SAAB
• Benefits Status: Eligible

Pre-Employment Requirements

• 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.