Coordinator 2 Special Education Unit

JOB SUMMARY

The Coordinator 2 - Special Education Unit provides broad oversight and day-to-day management of the execution and monitoring of special education services at the division, unit, and campus levels. In collaboration with the Special Education Unit Director, Coordinator 2 - Special Education Unit is tasked with developing systems to support the provision of Special Education services with a strong focus on compliance and instruction for their assigned campuses. This position requires a leader with a deep understanding of special education regulations and best practices; additionally, they ensure high-leverage practices and professional development are available in the short and long term to meet the compliance, behavioral, and instructional needs of the students with disabilities.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Provide leadership, oversight, and support to assigned schools in compliance and instruction for special education.
2.    Develop and provide training and professional development for staff on special education practices and regulatory requirements in special education.
3.    Attend and participate in critical meetings such as TEA Complaints, Resolution Sessions, and ARDs as requested. 
4.    Guide campuses in maintaining accurate records and reporting for district, state, and federal requirements.
5.    Foster collaborative partnerships across all stakeholder groups across the district (internal and external) with open lines of communication.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6.    Gather and analyze data to help schools in addressing complex issues with timely responses and support. 
7.    Perform classroom observations, provide feedback, and ensure IEP implementation.
8.    Monitor and regularly assess the effectiveness of special education programming, services, and initiatives across assigned campuses and make data-driven recommendations for enhancements and continuous improvement.
9.    Monitor staffing needs within assigned campuses and collaborate with relevant district team members to address campus needs. 
10.    As required, ensure flexibility and responsiveness to the district's emerging needs.
11.    Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance.
12.    Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree;
• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership or related field, preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience Requirements: ARD facilitation experience required
• 3-5 Years of experience teaching in the area of special education or dyslexia
• A minimum of 2 years of leadership experience at the campus or district level

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

• Special Skills/Certifications: Valid Texas Special Education certification
  Communication Skills: Employees must have the ability to manage meeting facilitation and communicate with colleagues, students and parents regarding IEP services and supports.
  Technology: Employee must utilize electronic system for creating IEPs.
  Bilingual Skills: Preferred – Spanish
  Knowledgeable of federal, state, local laws and regulations 
  Knowledgeable of assessment and programming of students with disabilities
  Knowledgeable of learning differences, interventions and behavior requirements of students with disabilities
  Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  Maintain emotional control under stress
  Dedication to the district’s mission and a firm commitment to fostering positive impacts within the community

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for department and/or a major division or for the entire district. Regularly provides project management, team leadership, and supervises staff. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to department

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.
 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Advises on budget development for department.    
 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.    
 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.    
 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.    
 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.