What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Special Education Generalist 24 / 25 SY position at Indianapolis Public Schools?
TITLE : Lead Special Education Generalist
WHO WE ARE :
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a student-focused, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence. Our mission is to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with a purpose. We are a family of excellent public schools in which every student has the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future.
Led by forward-thinking leadership and our commitment to prioritizing students, racial equity, and authentic engagement with our families, team members, and communities, our staff have diverse opportunities to develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are an organization for people who are passionate about education and who are committed to the Indianapolis community.
SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY :
The Lead Special Education Generalist organizes and manages special education supports, resources, professional development, and services across the district. The Lead provides direct instructional and behavioral support to their assigned schools to increase student achievement of Indianapolis Public School (IPS) students with special needs. This role provides privileged access to the inner workings of the IPS Unified Student Supports (USS) Department. The successful candidate will be discrete, high-energy, agile-minded, strategic, proactive, a direct communicator, highly organized and committed to the vision and values of IPS and IPS USS.
WHAT YOU'LL DO :
The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides direct support for teachers, coaches, and administrators, per Learning Community Director guidance
- Provides leadership and collaboration to ensure that school special education initiatives are student-focused and aligned with the vision of the IPS Unified Student Supports Department
- Demonstrates thorough knowledge of special education and general education issues relating to services necessary for student success
- Communicates problem-solving, support, and model strategies in the areas of academic / behavioral data and I-TEAM processes
- Coordinates onboarding of new USS Coaches and Specialists
- With the support of the Special Education Compliance Monitor, reviews data to inform decision making : Service logs, behavior data, FBA / BIP, progress monitoring, school suspensions, expulsions, seclusion and restraints, academic data, and Child Count for students with special needs in assigned buildings and develop action plans as needed
- Attends Results Driven Accountability Meetings and inputs data as needed
- Develops and empowers teachers to write strong IEPs, behavior plans and to facilitate efficient and effective case conferences / manifestation determinations as essential tools to accelerate learning and protect the rights of students with disabilities and their families
- Monitors caseload sizes and makes recommendations to the Learning Community Director regarding school assignments based on the needs of the district
- Provides team support with IDOE Article 7 Child Find procedures by reviewing academic and behavioral requests and referrals to determine appropriate initial evaluation procedures
- Supports school-based staff in identifying and developing appropriate academic and behavioral interventions and strategies that support special education students
- Provides input for monthly Learning Community meetings as well as ITeam staff meetings
- Works collaboratively with principals, teachers, parents, and support staff in the development of appropriate supports for students
- Attends case conferences for students as requested / needed
- Communicates effectively, and in a timely manner, with school staff, parents and guardians to address complaints, issues and concerns
- Mentors team members and fellows in the areas of schedule management, procedures, and I-TEAM processes
- Provides weekly updates to the Learning Community Director on implementation plans and debriefs completed by USS Coaches and Specialists
- Perform other duties assigned by the Learning Community Director
Day In the Life" Overview
On a regular day, as the Lead Special Education Generalist, you might :
WHAT YOU'll BRING : SKILLS AND MINDSETS
As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following :
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
FLSA CLASSIFICATION :
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK :
Not eligible
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
EEOC STATEMENT :
Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
DISCLAIMER :
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.
