What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Eligibility Coordinator position at Central Office?
The Special Education Eligibility Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the process of determining students' eligibility for special education services. This role involves collaborating with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to assess the needs of students and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding special education.
Key Responsibilities:
- Eligibility Determination:
- Coordinate and manage the process of determining students' eligibility for special education services in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Schedule and facilitate eligibility meetings and assessments, ensuring that all required documentation is collected and reviewed.
- Ensure that evaluations are comprehensive, addressing academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to review assessment data and recommend eligibility decisions.
- Collaboration & Communication:
- Serve as the point of contact for teachers, parents, administrators, and other staff members regarding eligibility issues.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with families regarding eligibility criteria, processes, and the outcomes of eligibility determinations.
- Collaborate with school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to gather assessment data.
- Provide guidance to teachers and staff on the proper implementation of eligibility procedures and documentation.
- Compliance & Documentation:
- Ensure that all eligibility decisions comply with local, state, and federal laws (e.g., IDEA, Section 504).
- Maintain accurate records of eligibility meetings, assessments, and determinations.
- Assist in the development and review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students.
- Stay up-to-date with changes in special education laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
- Training & Support:
- Provide training and support to school staff on eligibility processes and related topics.
- Offer guidance to teachers on identifying students who may require special education evaluations.
- Support families in understanding the eligibility process and available resources.
- Problem-Solving & Advocacy:
- Work with families to address concerns or challenges related to the eligibility process.
- Advocate for students to ensure they receive appropriate services and accommodations.
- Assist in resolving disputes regarding eligibility or the provision of special education services.
- Reporting & Data Analysis:
- Prepare reports on eligibility data, trends, and outcomes to share with school administration and other stakeholders.
- Analyze eligibility data to identify patterns and recommend improvements to the eligibility process.
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Master's degree in Special Education and/or Psychology
- Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience working in special education or a related field, including experience with eligibility assessments and IEP development.
- Skills and Abilities:
- In-depth knowledge of federal and state special education laws, including IDEA, Section 504, and other related regulations.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with students, parents, and school staff.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex cases.
- Proficiency in using educational software and databases for documentation and reporting.
- Certifications (if applicable):
- Certification in special education or related field may be required, depending on state and district requirements.
This position works 12-months. Administrative Salary Scale, Grade 4