Job Description

Special Education Coordinator

Are you looking to work in a school division where students are engaged in authentic, challenging, and relevant learning experiences, becoming lifelong contributors and leaders in our dynamic and diverse society? Then look no further! In Albemarle County Public Schools, we work together as a team to end the predictive value of race, class, gender, and special capacities for our children's success through high-quality teaching and learning for all. We seek to build relationships with families and communities to ensure that every student succeeds. We will know every student!

We are the first public school division in Virginia, and among the first in the country, to develop and implement an Anti-Racism policy with the expressed purpose of building school communities that share the responsibility to recognize and end racism, eliminate inequitable practices that result in achievement gaps, and support the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every child. In ACPS, "all" really means all.

Situated around beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia which is consistently ranked among America's top university towns and best places to live Albemarle County is nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Just 100 miles south of Washington, DC and 70 miles west of Richmond, it's only a short trip to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches, and New York is an easy Amtrak ride away. Whether it's the great outdoors, a vibrant and diverse arts, food, and culture scene, or small town living with a big city feel, our part of Central Virginia has something for everyone.

General Definition Of Work:

The Special Education Coordinator provides leadership in developing and supporting the division's special education program and services.

Essential Functions:

• Supervises Special Services staff to include Related Service Staff, Special Education Teachers, Special Education Teaching Assistants;
• Provides special education guidance regarding instruction/programming/regulations to School Based Administrators/Staff in buildings assigned;
• Reviews IEPs for legal compliance and oversees the implementation of those IEPs for all students in buildings assigned;
• Monitors teacher caseloads;
• Provides guidance and expertise to multidisciplinary teams which determine special education eligibility;
• Provides input, expertise and guidance at multidisciplinary, school based team meetings which problem-solve issues related to individual student programs;
• Provides expertise and guidance in coordinating activities related to the participation of children with disabilities in the various assessment programs;
• Ensures collaboration with school staff so that students with disabilities receive instruction in the Standards of Learning and Albemarle County Curriculum, if appropriate;
• Provides expertise, facilitation and support in manifestation determination meetings;
• Reviews and evaluates essential information to and advises, based on review and evaluation of essential information the types of programs needed by the schools and makes appropriate recommendations;
• Ensures all students with disabilities have an appropriate student placements by securing appropriate records are in place, assigning students to particular classes, arranging transportation, coordinating communication between all appropriate personnel, etc.;
• Provides leadership to parents/citizen advisory groups or interagency groups as directed by the Director of Special Education or Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services;
• Creates, leads and supports division staff development by providing professional development to school division staff;
• Develops/provides specialized knowledge about adaptive equipment; restraint techniques, or other topics as assigned by the Director or Special Education/Student Services;
• Upon request of principals, arranges demonstration lessons for teachers;
• Serves on interagency teams that provide services to children;
• Serves on interview teams for Special Services positions and makes recommendations for the best candidate to hire;
• Works collaboratively with others on the special education team to develop division wide educational programming;
• Recruits, hires, supports, develops, and retains effective and caring special education teachers and other professional staff, and form them into an educationally-effective faculty;
• Are approachable, accessible, and welcoming to families and members of the community;
• Creates means for the school community to partner with families to support student learning in and out of school;
• Creates and sustains positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with families and the community for the benefit of students;
• Leads with interpersonal and communication skills, social-emotional insight, and understanding of all students' and staff members' backgrounds and cultures;
• Ensures that each student is treated fairly, respectfully, and with an understanding of each student's culture and context;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or the Executive Director of Student Services and Special Education.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

Must possess knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, equipment, and clerical techniques; be proficient with Microsoft Office to include Access, Excel, Word and PowerPoint in order to present training and prepare pamphlets/brochures; possess the ability to copy documents, maintain files, and answer telephones; ability to greet parents/the general public and respond to their needs. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and current issues involved with conducting professional development initiatives; instructional best practices, adult learning theory, training design and development, and organizational development theory and practice. Must possess excellent instructional delivery techniques and the ability to coach and train teachers and administrators in effective instructional techniques and strategies. Demonstrated skills in workshop presentation, teambuilding techniques, and small/large group facilitation; the ability to design and present training materials and programs; excellent human relations, communication and organizational skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the division to include administrators and teachers; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents and the general public. Must possess the ability to use time efficiently and work with little supervision.

Education And Experience:

Candidates should possess a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and be eligible for endorsement as a special education teacher, school psychologist or school social worker; also requires a minimum of five years experience working with children with disabilities in a public school setting. Administrator Endorsement preferred.

Physical Conditions And Nature Of Work Contacts:

Work is typically performed in an office setting primarily sitting at office equipment and files, with occasional light lifting and other limited physical activities. Occasional operation of automated computer office equipment is required. Frequent travel to school sites throughout the county and occasional state-wide or regional travel is required. Attendance at meetings outside the normal duty hours is frequently required. Regular involvement with principals and teachers throughout the School Division; usually there is need to motivate, establish rapport, gain support, persuade or influence individuals or groups. Contacts often require tact and discretion. Contacts with State and Federal agencies are required frequently. Contacts with the School Board, Advisory Councils, faculties and students, parents and the general public may be required.

Questions? Email HR@k12albemarle.org

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