APPLICATION DEADLINE November 13, 2008 THE POSITION ____________________________ Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education, serves as a liaison to parents of special needs students regarding the District’s Special Education Program, it’s services and activities; facilitates understanding of and provides resources and information related to special education programs and objectives; works collaboratively with District staff assisting parents in accessing programs and resources in an effort to implement Individualized Education Plan goals. Duties include but are not limited to: •Provides input and information to school staff and families regarding the needs and disabilities of students, which have educational impact. •Maintains appropriate documentation related to parent contacts, compliance complaints, home visits, parental meeting attendance and other forms of parent participation as directed by the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education. •Makes home visits and telephone calls to families to explain special education programs and other student and family support services; increases families knowledge and involvement by helping families identify and independently use community resources, activities and support groups. •Assists in consulting with families, staff and teachers to determine needs to be addressed in IEP, and to identify and provide information regarding appropriate educational and community resources; assists families in gaining access to instructional special education programs and services for students with special needs; informs parents regarding student program options, and may accompany them on site visits. •Assists the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Chair and Board in planning, organizing and facilitating meetings of the CAC. •Assist in the facilitation of parent support groups, i.e. ADHD, Fragile X, Autism, etc. •Participates in personnel development activities as trainee and trainer. •Provide appropriate information to the Assistant Superintendent, Special Education, Special Education Administrators; Special Education Teachers, and other personnel relative to parent communications and observation. •Works collaboratively with district staff and or other organizations/individuals in an effort to resolve parent complaints and or respond to parent inquiries/requests for information. Oversees Resource Parent Program. •Maintains updated information on, and communicates with various community organizations and social service agencies regarding program and services available to special needs students and their parents. •Assists program specialists, teachers and paraprofessional staff in a variety of duties including, but not limited to, scheduling and attending meetings and parent workshops, planning educational programs for the parents and providing support to parents of students. QUALIFICATIONS _________________________ •Completion of formal college level coursework in special education, child development, counseling, social work, or other relevant discipline is desirable and may be considered as a partial fulfillment of the work experience requirement. •Three (3) years demonstrated and verifiable successful experience working with the public or in a school environment working with special needs students; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which clearly demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities identified above. •Knowledge of Federal, State and Local Special Education programs, laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the requirements of IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA as they pertain to the duties of school districts toward children with disabilities and their parents. •Knowledge of multiple methods for meeting students’ needs; disabilities and the criteria for eligibility of services; family dynamics. •Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with families, teachers, educational and community agencies. •Must be available to work nights and weekends. THE DISTRICT ____________________________ The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is one of the largest school districts in California. The District serves the cities of Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton, unincorporated areas of Bay Point, Pacheco, and portions of Walnut Creek, and Martinez. It contains 6 High Schools; 10 Middle Schools; 28 Elementary Schools; 1 Continuation High School; 1 Independent Study Center; 4 Special Education Schools/Centers; 2 Adult Education Centers; and 2 locations providing auxiliary services. It employs approximately 4,000 employees serving more than 35,000 students. THE SELECTION PROCEDURE _____________ All completed application packets will be reviewed and screened in Personnel Services. Those applicants rated as the best qualified, based on the application packet will be invited for an oral interview. The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Special Education will interview the final candidates. THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE __________ All application packets must be submitted to Personnel Services, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA 94519, including: •the completed application form and supplemental questionnaire •a personal letter of interest •a resume including background information, educational experience and achievements, and community and professional involvement; and •one current (less than one year old) letter of recommendation AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ____________ A. Conditions of Employment 1.Oath of Allegiance All employees are required to take and subscribe to an oath upholding State and Federal Constitutions. 2.Tuberculosis Clearance Provisions of Education Code require new employees to present evidence of freedom from tuberculosis within 60 days of employment-employee bears cost. 3.Fingerprints Provisions of Education Code require new employees to be fingerprinted at time of appointment-District bears cost. 4.Physical examination A physical examination is required upon initial employment-employee bears cost. B. Salary Information Placement is usually at step one of the five step salary schedule. Succeeding step adjustments will be granted annually on July 1, following a completed year of service. C. Leaves and Holidays 1.Sick Leave – 12 days per year (indefinite accumulation) 2.Vacation – 24 days 3.Holidays – 13 holidays D. Insurance and Retirement 1.Dental Plan/Vision Plan Premium cost for employee and all dependents is paid by the District 2.Health Insurance The District contributes a fixed amount toward group medical and prescription plans for employees and dependents. 3.Retirement Plan Employee contributes approximately 7% of base salary to Public Employees Retirement System that is integrated with Social Security. THE MT. DIABLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT