Specialist, Special Education

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL

JOB TITLE: Specialist, Special Education

TITLE CODE: C35300

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DEFINITION: Provides vision, leadership, and expertise to schools regarding the implementation of curricular and instructional initiatives. 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.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL 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 receiving special education services. Provides leadership to school-based teams in the measuring and monitoring of student progress towards 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. Attends Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings, as needed.
• Provides supervision to the resource teachers.
• Provides leadership to schools regarding compliance with federal and state special education mandates.
• Assists school-based teams in identifying appropriate academic and behavioral supports in order to educate students in the least restrictive environment. Collaborates with Supervisor of Placement to discuss potential services or placement options to ensure the least restrictive environment.
• 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 Division of Curriculum and Instruction to plan and deliver professional development for teachers.
• Provides leadership to school administrators in organizing and scheduling instruction for students with disabilities inside and outside general education to increase student achievement.
• Meets with identified administrative teams to develop plans that ensure compliance with federal and state mandates.
• Analyzes school data in order 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.

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, or eligibility for, a Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate with special education and Administrator I endorsements required.

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 activities may be required. Work schedules may include nights and weekends and will require occasional work beyond the normally scheduled hours.
Application Instructions
Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with the Baltimore County Public Schools, and a separate completed application must be submitted for each position and location in which you are interested.
• 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, including student teaching and internship experience, and include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of employers.
• Be sure to answer all criminal background questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the criminal background questions you must provide a written explanation. A criminal offense does not necessarily exclude an applicant from employment with BCPS. Factors such as passage of time since the offense, the nature of the violation, and the extent of rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All persons 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. An identification card will be issued which must be shown prior to employment.
• 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.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937). There is a compliance officer responsible for identifying, preventing, and remedying prohibited harassment concerning students. Complaints of harassment should be directed to the executive director, Department of School Safety and Security, 9600 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 118, Baltimore, MD 21220 (443-809-4360).



Contact Information

Susan B. Stansbury
Director, Staffing
6901 Charles Street, E Building
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone: 443-809-7874
Fax: 410-296-0568
Email: sstansbury@bcps.org