RUSSELL COUNTY SCHOOLS SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR (12 month/ 240 Days) JOB DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution. Valid Alabama professional educator certificate in an appropriate area. Certification in Educational Leadership and Supervision preferred. Experience in special education, student services, school administration, or a related area preferred. Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama law and Alabama State Board of Education regulations. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, procedures, and best practices related to special education and student services, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and applicable Alabama State Department of Education requirements. Knowledge of special education programming, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), compliance monitoring, assessment, record keeping, and service delivery. Ability to assist with the development and implementation of procedures designed to ensure appropriate services for students with disabilities. Knowledge of district and state assessment requirements and procedures. Ability to assist with the coordination and administration of district testing programs and required assessments. Ability to work effectively with administrators, teachers, support personnel, parents, students, outside agencies, and community partners. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, analyze information, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines. REPORTS TO Director of Special Services JOB GOAL To assist the Director of Special Services in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and services provided through the Special Services Department and to support the District in meeting applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The Coordinator will work under the direction of the Director of Special Services to support students, families, schools, and staff and to help ensure effective and compliant delivery of special education and related student services. SUPERVISES Assigned personnel, as designated by the Director of Special Services and/or Superintendent. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES Assist the Director of Special Services with the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services within the Special Services Department. Assist with the administration and monitoring of the District’s special education programs and services to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. Coordinate, monitor, and implement Special Education services and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) throughout the District. Assist the Director with Multi-Needs programs and services for students requiring specialized instructional and related services. Coordinate and implement Extended School Year (ESY) services and Summer Learning Camps. Provide the administration, coordination, and monitoring of the District’s Gifted Program. Provide the coordination and implementation of IDEA Preschool and Early Intervention services. Serve as a District Testing Coordinator, including coordinating state and district assessments, communicating testing requirements and procedures, assisting schools with testing administration, monitoring testing compliance and security, coordinating training, and completing required documentation and reports. Serve as the District Section 504 Coordinator, including supporting schools with Section 504 procedures, eligibility, plans, accommodations, compliance requirements, documentation, and parent or staff questions. Maintain appropriate documentation and assist with required communications, procedures, and records related to homeschooling. Coordinate and monitor Home-Bound Services, including working with schools, families, teachers, and other appropriate personnel to ensure eligible students receive required educational services. Work closely with principals, teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and other school personnel to support appropriate services for students. Assist with the development, review, and implementation of District procedures related to special education and other assigned Special Services programs. Assist with federal, state, and local monitoring activities and help ensure corrective actions and recommendations are appropriately implemented. Assist with the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of federal projects, grants, budgets, equipment requests, and other funding associated with assigned programs. Assist with the integration of special education and student support services into the District’s overall instructional program. Participate in the screening and interviewing of candidates for special education and other assigned Special Services positions as requested. Assist with curriculum development and instructional initiatives designed to support students with disabilities and other students served through Special Services. Develop and maintain procurement, inventory, and distribution of specialized instructional materials, equipment, and resources. Maintain and monitor required student records, reports, documentation, and data related to Special Services programs. Participate in staff conferences, professional development, orientation meetings, and training related to assigned programs. Provide technical assistance and support to school administrators and staff regarding special education, Section 504, testing, and other assigned areas. Interpret assessment results, student data, and program information to support instructional decision-making and appropriate student services. Maintain confidentiality of student, employee, and other protected or professional information in accordance with applicable laws and Board policies. Interact professionally with parents, outside agencies, businesses, and community organizations to enhance understanding of District programs and services and to facilitate appropriate support for students. Keep the Director of Special Services informed of potential compliance concerns, problems, unusual events, or other matters requiring administrative attention. Serve on District, state, or community committees and councils as assigned by the Director of Special Services or Superintendent. Assist with communicating the programs, philosophy, procedures, and policies of the District to staff, students, parents, and the community. Work collaboratively with District and school personnel to support school improvement initiatives and District strategic goals. Remain knowledgeable of current research, trends, best practices, legislation, regulations, and legal requirements affecting special education, student services, testing, Section 504, and other assigned areas. Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of professional learning activities related to areas of responsibility. Attend training sessions, conferences, meetings, and workshops as assigned or appropriate to remain current regarding programs, practices, compliance requirements, and legal issues. Assist with the preparation and submission of required federal, state, and District reports and maintain appropriate records and supporting documentation. Assist the Director with monitoring program budgets, expenditures, utilization of funds, and allocation of resources within assigned areas. Assist with the supervision and evaluation of assigned personnel when designated by the Director of Special Services and/or Superintendent. Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential compliance concerns, program needs, and opportunities for improvement and communicate recommendations to the Director of Special Services. Respond to questions and concerns from administrators, employees, parents, and other stakeholders regarding programs administered through Special Services. Represent the Russell County School District and the Special Services Department in a positive, professional, and ethical manner. Perform other duties and responsibilities consistent with the goals and objectives of the position as assigned by the Director of Special Services and/or Superintendent. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system. EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.
