Special Education Facilitator

We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer.Position:

• Special Education Facilitator

Objective:

• Arrange, organize, and conduct Individualized Education Program Team Meetings to determine initial eligibility for special education in collaboration with the students, families, special and general education staff and other service providers. The Special Education Facilitator will also support IEP teams in developing IEPs designed to meet the unique learning needs of all students.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and schedule Team meetings effectively, ensuring notification and coordination with school personnel and families.
• Work with building-based staff and the Special Education Department to develop and implement a program that meets the needs of the whole student.
• Assist in the development of student support and referral plans that include both in school and community support and intervention, to address academic, social emotional and behavioral learning.
• Assist in the collection of statistical and student data (including assessment data, grades, benchmark testing, MCAS, at-risk forms) and complete all necessary reports and submit them to the Executive Director of Special Education.
• Facilitate and chair Team meetings to ensure provisions of quality special education and/or related services by supporting the Team evaluation process and ensuring compliance with all state and federal compliance requirements. Collaborate with the Special Education Department to relay important information to special education teachers and related service providers regarding appropriate procedures and practices regarding Special Education.
• Ensure that students Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are being followed and related services are being provided.
• Keep informed on all legal requirements governing special education at the federal and state levels.
• Work with principals and school-based staff to ensure proper completion and implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
• Process IEPs in a timely manner and monitor for completeness, quality of content, and accuracy of procedure.
• Communicate with families in a professional manner, answer questions regarding student IEPs, progress and the special education process.
• Encourage staff to maintain frequent communication with families and community partners.
• Assist in developing workshops and training for staff in order to improve compliance and improve programming for students with disabilities.
• Work with the Special Education Office ensure the thorough completion of the MA DESEs Tiered Focused Monitoring System.
• Work with the Special Education Department to facilitate and support Team meeting discussions around the need for Extended Year Services (EYS).
• .Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district, policy and administrative regulation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Certification in proper area and level by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Special Education or School Counselor).
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university, preferred. Evidence of specific professional study in the field of special education
• Three years experience in the area of special education services.
• Knowledge and experience with varied student disabilities and specialized programs.
• Experience working with teachers, service providers, administrators, educational advocates/ attorney, families and community agencies, to better integrate services for students in the New Bedford Public Schools.
• Demonstrate an understanding of techniques, interventions and instructional strategies for improving inclusive educational practices that result in high achievement and progress for students with disabilities.
• Understanding of the Special Education Team process and completion of all paperwork requirements.
• Excellent communication skills- written, verbal and non-verbal.
• Excellent interpersonal and social skills with colleagues, district staff, families and community.
• Excellent Work Attendance.

Terms of Employment:

• Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education or Designee
• Rate: In accordance with the Unit A contract found here

The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions in employment for potential employees. New Bedford Public Schools encourages people with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to ensure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.