Professor - Special Education jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

JOB PURPOSE

Support and coordinate with school leaders and school personnel in the areas of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) (including gifted), Section 504 (504) and implementation of CSUSA's Mental Health Assistance Allocation Plan (MHAAP), as appropriate. Support school Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training initiatives. Coordinate and establish school contracts for required special education and related services and MHAAP interventions. Provide support with Florida charter applications and renewals. Assist in the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of state special education programming. Carry out supervisory responsibilities and support compliance and student outcomes in accordance with CSUSA policies and applicable laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead in the direction and management of special education programs and services to meet student needs in the areas of ESE and 504.
• Remain informed of changes to federal and state laws related to ESE, 504 and Florida's MHAAP to support school level compliance.
• Provide monitoring to ensure that required meetings, evaluations and reevaluations are conducted in an accurate and timely manner.
• Monitor ESE, 504 and MHAAP documentation for accuracy and timeliness, according to regulations.
• Use resources and materials to support staff in the accomplishment of ESE and 504 goals.
• Assist schools with planning for classroom and testing accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Lead in assisting with developing and adapting curriculum materials and educational practices to meet the needs of students and teachers.
• Maintain communication with Related Service Providers and Case Managers to ensure compliance with provision of services, evaluations, and quarterly progress reports.
• Support school staff in making data-driven instructional decisions to improve special education student outcomes.
• Support schools in their efforts to maintain accurate and compliant ESE, 504 and MHAAP data and support state data reporting requirements.
• Support schools with scheduling of ESE students to ensure fiscal responsibility when allocating resources based on student needs.
• Arrange and lead training for inclusionary best practices.
• Model strategies for inclusionary practices as appropriate.
• Act as informational liaison for inclusion as appropriate.
• Assist schools with implementing ESE service delivery models to ensure the provision of a continuum of services.
• Monitor appropriate transition plans for ESE eligible students of transition age.
• Support schools in the development of community partnerships to support student transition.
• Plan and conduct appointments with ESE, 504 and MHAAP staff as needed.
• Provide support for ESE student achievement in the general education setting through training teachers and assisting with implementation of school inclusion plans.
• Consult/train school staff in areas related to student eligibility, placement and provision of services, and quality Individual Education Plan (IEP) development.
• Collaborate with ESE teachers to monitor student progress and compliance (including student compliance issues, withdrawals, progress monitoring, etc.).
• Collaborate with school staff to develop local processes and procedures to align with state and district policies related to ESE, 504 and MHAAP.
• Participate in locally sponsored professional development opportunities to maintain familiarity with district policies.
• Support schools in responding to formal complaints.
• Review staffing requests from the schools in the areas of ESE and 504 and makes recommendations for staff/contracted provider allocations.
• Develop relationships with ESE special education and related services providers and MHAAP mental health providers, negotiate rates and contract terms, and establish annual school contracts with identified providers.
• Conduct professional development on special program topics, as needed.
• Support school YMHFA professional development initiatives
• Serve as liaison to facilitate effective communication among ESE, 504 and MHAAP staff, students, parents, and School Leaders.
• Develop Special Education and Mental Health content for Florida charter applications and Florida charter renewal applications.
• Support the Florida charter renewal process related to special education and mental health.
• Participate in charter contract negotiations.
• Maintain collaborative relationship with CSUSA's Florida State Team and National Team.
• Travel to assigned CSUSA school sites as required.

**MAY PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED**

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment toward the position and the mission of the company; support the company's values in the strategic areas of academic excellence, operational performance, superior culture, and financial health and growth, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
2. Strong time management & organizational skills.
3. Demonstrate project management skills and an ability to work independently.
4. Enthusiastic about taking on new challenges and the ability to prioritize effectively.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, students, parents, the community, and administrative staff. As unique situations present themselves, the employee must be sensitive to corporate needs, employee goodwill, and the public image.
6. Establish excellent interpersonal skills between all stakeholders: being courteous, professional, and helpful; Oral (including presentations), Written, Interpersonal (active listening), Negotiating, and Influencing.
7. Ability to consistently be at work, be on time, follow instructions, respond to management direction and solicit feedback to improve performance.
8. Proficient experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
9. Looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
10. Consistently strives to implement best practices and positive character education.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree (BA) from an accredited college or university or equivalent.
• Master's Degree in Special Education or commensurate experience, preferred.
• Certified in ESE in the state of Florida.
• Experience supporting the mental health needs of students, 3-5 years preferred
• Experience as a team lead, preferably leading ESE staff.
• Experience with developing Educational Plans (EPs) for gifted eligible students, preferred.
• Experience with developing Section 504 plans, preferred.
• Experience with contract negotiation.
• Experience in responding to formal complaints, mediation/resolution meetings and due process proceedings.
• Work experience across multiple Florida districts, preferred.
• Successful results of criminal and employment background check.
• Command of grades/subject specific content and theoretical knowledge of learning theory, including motivation, reinforcement, evaluation and feedback techniques.
• Minimum of three (3) years successful teaching experience.
• Effective instructional delivery techniques and excellent communication skills.
• Adherence to the requirements of the Code of Ethics for the Education Profession.
• Such alternatives to the above requirements as CSUSA may find appropriate and acceptable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands 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 enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• No physical exertion required.
• Somewhat stressful due to frequent student activity.
• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter:

• Usual schools working conditions.
• May be noisy during high student traffic.

Job is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Charter Schools USA Policy.

DECLARATION

The Charter Schools USA Human Resources Department retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description. Any employee making changes unauthorized by Human Resources Department will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.