Specialist, Special Education Instruction Behavior and Placement - INTERNAL ONLY

Job Description

DEFINITION: Provides leadership and expertise to schools regarding the access and adaptation to curriculum with a focus on delivering specially designed instruction in the general education and special education setting. Ensures equal access to the curriculum and differentiated instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE) while developing a continuum of services so that students with disabilities have an opportunity to be educated with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent possible. Supports schools in building capacity to meet the needs of all learners while ensuring that all initiatives support the system-wide goals identified in the Strategic Plan. Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Provides leadership to school-based personnel in utilizing data to identify, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of multi-tiered support systems to reduce the achievement gap.

Provides leadership for school-based teams in the identification, implementation, and evaluation process for students requiring special education services.

Provides leadership to school-based teams in the measuring and monitoring of student progress towards Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal mastery and students’ response to targeted interventions.

Assists schools in the development of IEPs which address student progress in relation to the state standards.

Provides technical assistance on special education policies, processes, and procedures, as well as on the implementation of IDEA.

Attends IEP team meetings, as needed.

Provides supervision to resource teachers.

Implements coaching strategies for teachers and school-based staff in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies and behavioral interventions to support students with disabilities in accessing the general education curriculum in their least restrictive environment.

Supports schools in navigating placement decisions along the continuum of services by using data-driven processes to ensure compliance with LRE requirements

Collaborates with content offices to ensure BCPS curricular standards are followed for students with disabilities inside and outside of the general education environment.

Collaborates with offices within the Division of Curriculum and Instruction to plan and deliver professional development for teachers.

Partners with colleagues from the Division of Curriculum and Instruction and the Division of Schools to provide proactive support to schools around implementation of high leverage practices for students with IEPs to enhance academic achievement and build high effective teachers, leaders, and staff.

Designs professional learning experiences for school personnel aligned with district and school initiatives, with an emphasis on specially designed instruction.

Provides leadership to school administrators in organizing and scheduling instruction for students with disabilities inside and outside general education to increase student achievement.

Analyzes school data to assist supervisors in identifying and implementing appropriate supports and interventions necessary to provide provision of services to meet the needs of students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment (LRE).

Attends a variety of internal meetings, hearings, state level, advisory, and community organization meetings and chairs committees on behalf of the Department of Special Education.

Provides leadership in the planning and organization of Extended School Year (ESY) programs and services.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training And Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in special education or a related field. Three years of successful teaching experience. Two years of progressively responsible leadership/management experience in PreK-12 public educational setting.

Licenses And Certificates

Possession of a Maryland Educator Advanced Professional Certificate in an area appropriate to the assignment with an Administrator I endorsement.

OR

Possession of, or eligibility for, a Maryland Educator Advanced Professional License in an area appropriate to the assignment and Administrator I Licensure.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of inclusive educational practices, IDEA guidelines, IEP development, LRE (Least Restrictive Environment), and compliance with federal and state mandates including mediation and due process procedures. Demonstration of outstanding oral and written communication skills. Demonstration of expertise and experience in assessment/data analysis and instruction ages three through 21. Demonstration of strong human relations, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstration of strong computer/technology skills.

Physical And Environmental Conditions

The work of this class is generally performed both in school and office environments. Travel to schools throughout Baltimore County is required. Work includes the operation of office equipment, computers, and assistive technology devices. Limited physical activity may be required. Work schedules may include nights and weekends and will require occasional work beyond the normally scheduled hours.

Conditions Of Employment

N/A

FLSA: Exempt

Retirement

Eligible for the Maryland State Retirement System.

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position or group of positions. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Salary

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Grade 08 on the CASE pay scale ($92,199 - $139,703)

Visit the BCPS Office of Payrol l website for additional information on pay scales, other compensation and leave accruals.

Other Compensation: This position may also be eligible for comp time as per the OPE Master Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding. Visit the BCPS website for additional information.

Benefits

BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees.

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Application Instructions

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment. Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.

Proof Of Licenses, Certifications And Education

• Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable only at the application stage. Official transcripts must be provided only after you have accepted a contingent offer.
• Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with your application.

Proof Of Degree Equivalency

• Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from a MSDE approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency. This information is located on the MSDE website .

Pre-Employment Requirements

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience, you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via escript/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Benefits and Retirement Orientation meeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information

Ann Geisinger

Manager, HR Staffing, Educator and Instructional Operations

ageisinger@bcps.org

443-809-4151

About Us

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is the 22nd largest school district in the nation and the 3rd largest in Maryland with over 21,000 employees supporting over 111,000 students.  BCPS has 26 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and 23 National Blue Ribbon schools, 32 magnet schools and 116 magnet programs.

Baltimore County Public Schools is seeking highly effective employees that will inspire, support, and prepare our students for a successful future.  BCPS works to embrace all stakeholders, engage them in authentic collaboration and empower them to be a part of positive change, so our students, staff, and system will excel.  We hope you will join our dynamic community!  Apply to work at BCPS!