Job Description:    COORDINATOR SPECIAL EDUCATION 

BASIC FUNCTION

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Special Education, assists in the administration and coordination of special education programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (may include, but not limited to the following)

• Participates in planning, organizing, and supervising the instructional supports and services for special education.
• Participates in the selection and interviewing of candidates for special education teaching positions and shares joint responsibility with site administrators in the evaluation of special education teachers.
• Assists in coordination of all special education supports and services in the District, and supports the development of new special education programs, as needed.
• Develops District policy and procedures for special education services utilizing appropriate education codes/guidelines.
• Works cooperatively with State and Federal agencies participating educational services for students with disabilities, and works closely with community agencies extending special services.
• Chairs IEP meetings, coordinates student services; monitors special education caseload and class size and coordinates transportation of special education students.
• Serves as liaison to District office, District administrative councils, community agencies/services, state and county schools and services, private schools, state department of education/special education division and parent and professional groups.
• Participates in due process hearings, complaint and compliance investigations and District self-review of compliance as needed.
• Assists in the implementation of special education services at school sites: observes in special education classrooms, evaluates educational plans, participates in parent conferences, works with individual students, provides diagnostic assessments, observes students integrated in general classroom, conferences with general education/special education teachers regarding student progress and conferences with principals, psychologists, and others.
• Assists in planning budget requirements for special education programs, as needed.
• Coordinates and participates in the evaluation of special education groups and committees essential to the maintenance of programs.  Coordinates with colleges and universities for visitations, observations, and student teachers.
• Notifies parents of rights according to due process and reviews educational programs with parents.  Makes presentations to professional organizations and groups as requested.
• Coordinates the evaluation of the local special education services in cooperation with the research and evaluation department.
• Writes special education program goals and objectives in areas of responsibility. 
• Plans and coordinates observations for visitors in special education programs.
• Works closely with the transportation department relative to problems of transporting special education children.
• Meets with parents or groups concerned with the special education services.
• Responsible for prevention and investigation of Federal, State and District formal complaints.
• Works cooperatively with Human Resources Division in the selection of personnel for special education.
• Participates in planning of staff development program for all special education personnel, including needs assessment, activities and budget.
• Revises and updates procedure manual for special education services.
• Prepares schools/staff for and conducts program monitoring.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Related education code requirements.
• Knowledge and skills in the administration of the special education services.
• Communications both oral and written.
• Interpersonal communication with students, parents, staff, and administration.

CREDENTIAL

Valid California Credential authorizing service in at least one area of special education, or Pupil Personnel Services Credential required. A valid California Administrative Services Credential required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 A minimum of three years of certificated experience in Special Education is required. Possession of a master's degree in Special Education, Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology preferred. Other professional experiences should include application of assessment and prescriptive techniques, matching learning needs to learning modalities, as well as in-service training activities for professionals and parents.

LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A current California Driver’s License and current proof of insurance are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  This position will primarily be an indoor office work environment.

Physical Abilities:

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 (Consideration will be given to reasonable accommodation).  With or without aides, the employee must be able to:

• See sufficiently to read a variety of materials
• Hear and speak sufficiently to exchange information in person or on the telephone
• Move about the District and drive a car with sufficient physical mobility
• Speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distance, on the telephone, and in addressing groups.
• Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to endure long hours under sometimes stressful conditions.

Hazards

None identified