Secondary Special Education Coordinator

TITLE: Secondary Special Education Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full Time- 194-day Contract

LOCATION: MSD of Decatur Township

Position Summary

The Secondary Special Education Coordinator / Behavior Specialist provides leadership, coordination, and direct support for special education and behavioral programming within the MSD of Decatur Township. This role assists the Director of Special Services in ensuring high-quality, compliant, and student-centered special education services. The Coordinator serves as a key liaison among schools, families, staff, and community partners, with a strong emphasis on behavior support, program development, and continuous improvement of instructional practices.

Qualifications

Education / Certification

• Master's degree or higher required

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education law and the ability to apply legal requirements in collaboration with staff and parents
• Strong understanding of the individual academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with students with special needs, parents, staff, and external service providers
• Ability to implement district policies and procedures with fidelity
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills to guide instructional and programmatic decisions
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching and/or professional experience in the field of special education

Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Coordination

• Assist the Director of Special Services in directing and managing special education programs and services to meet diverse student needs
• Serve as district liaison for Structured Teach, Behavior Support and Life Skills Program special education programs
• Supervise and support transition services for special education students entering and exiting programs associated with Structured Teach, Behavior Support and the Life Skills Program
• Assist in all special education matters as assigned by the Director of Special Services

Behavior Support and Intervention

• Serve as the district CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) trainer
• Support staff through training, coaching, and consultation in behavior intervention strategies
• Conduct and/or support Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
• Assist staff in developing, implementing, and monitoring behavior intervention plans
• Support Behavior Support programming at DMS and DCHS

Instructional and Program Support

• Support special education programming and instruction, including:
• Life Skills programming at DMS and DCHS
• Behavior Support programs at DMS and DCHS
• Structured Teach programs at DMS and DCHS
• Mild Intervention Instruction at DMS and DCHS
• Encourage and support the use of instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning
• Serve as a resource in the design and equipping of classrooms for students with disabilities
• Work closely with DMS and DCHS content leads to support curriculum alignment and instructional quality

Assessment, Compliance, and Case Conferencing

• Assist with conducting student assessments and making recommendations regarding placement and program management
• Participate in case conferences and meetings to ensure appropriate placement and development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Provide Procedural and Administrative Review (PAR) support for case conferences, as needed
• Facilitate all manifestation determination meetings at the secondary level in collaboration with the Director of Special Services
• Ensure student progress is evaluated systematically and that results are used to improve special education services

Professional Learning and Collaboration

• Attend and/or lead Special Education Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings
• Provide and coordinate special education professional development, particularly at the secondary level
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, and service providers across DMS, DCHS, DTSE, NEST, and RISE

Communication and Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with parents, students, and staff through conferences and ongoing collaboration
• Serve as liaison to community agencies providing services to students with disabilities
• Use effective strategies to encourage parent and community involvement

Compliance, Reporting, and Professional Responsibilities

• Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy
• Recommend sound policies and practices to improve special education programs to the Director of Special Services
• Compile, maintain, and file all required physical and electronic reports, records, and documentation
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Demonstrate support for district student management policies and expected student behavior
• Articulate and model the district's Mission, Vision, and Culture Guide
• Make positive contributions to the culture and climate of MSD of Decatur Township
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services

Work Locations and Scope

• Work with all secondary schools, including:
• Decatur Middle School (DMS)
• Decatur Central High School (DCHS)
• Decatur Township School for Excellence (DTSE)
• NEST
• RISE