Analysis Skills, Budgeting, Calculators, Case Management, Communication Skills, Education Regulations, Electrical Wiring, Keyboards, Leadership, Legal, Lift/Move 25 Pounds, Multilingual, Needs Assessment, People Management, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Proofreading, School Psychology, Social Work, Spanish Language, Special Education, Team Player, Training/Teaching
Job Description:
Job Title: Special Education Specialist
Reports To: Principal and/or Director of Pupil Services
Location: Joseph Melillo Middle School
Purpose: The Special Education Specialist is a position designed to address the duties and responsibilities that a large special education/504 population creates within a district. The Specialist supports special education programs and services in compliance with all Federal and State policies and procedures as well as the mission statement and vision of the East Haven School District. The Specialist will serve as a resource to parents and school personnel to ensure continuous benefit from educational opportunities and will have a split role as a case manager as well as a classroom teacher.
Education: CT Teaching Certificate in Comprehensive Special Education (Endorsement 165), Endorsement in Administration and Supervision (092) preferred; BA (preferred MA) from an accredited college or university in Special Education or equivalent.
Experience:
- Two or more years of special education experience;
- Thorough knowledge of current research and effective practices of teaching;
- Clear understanding of standards-based and differentiated instruction;
- Demonstrated ability to analyze assessments and other student data as a means for making instructional decisions;
- Possess strong collaborative capabilities and proven ability to work as a member of a team consisting of but not limited to a SLP, School Psychologist, and School Social Worker;
- Knowledge of philosophies and objectives regarding cultural responsiveness;
- Demonstrated leadership skills; and,
- Bilingual (Spanish-speaking preferred).
Minimum Qualifications/Skills and Knowledge Requirements:
- Provides professional leadership to selected programs in special education;
- Provides ongoing assessment of the special education needs of students for programming and budgetary purposes;
- Analyzes district needs and coordinates professional development programs in special education and regular education for students with disabilities;
- Provides guidance in determining programmatic placement including supporting transition meetings between schools;
- Implement a district curriculum to support exceptional learning;
- Maintains up to date knowledge of special education law, policy and procedure;
- Assists other department members in student evaluations;
- Implements strategies for maintaining a high level of communication between all stakeholders - student, parent, school staff and pupil services;
- Upholds and promotes goals and objectives of the Superintendent and Board of Education;
- Demonstrate an on-going interest and participation in professional learning;
- Maintain confidentiality regarding personnel and student information;
- Perform other tasks and responsibilities as delegated by the Principal or Director of Pupil Services.
Physical and Mental Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands and environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to see and read objects closely, as wiring, labels on equipment, reading/proofreading a report, using a computer monitor, filing and/or retrieving information from a filing system.
- Ability to hear normal sounds with background noise, as in using a telephone or radio, distinguish verbal communication and communicate through speech, including using a radio.
- Ability to learn and acquire an understanding of new information, methodologies and techniques and how they apply to school goals and operations.
- Ability to work in office or school setting (indoors and outdoors) subject to interruptions and heavy work volume expectations.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer
- Ability to lift equipment up to 25 pounds
- May be exposed to changing temperatures and weather, humidity, noise and dust.
- Ability to get from one location in the office or work sites(s) to other locations in primary office or work sites.
- Ability to perform manipulative skills such as writing, collating, using a keyboard and/or calculator with speed and accuracy for long periods of time.
- Ability to concentrate on detail and issue with some interruption, pressure and changing priorities.