Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist will be responsible for developing and monitoring the implementation of the special education services for assigned schools and/or programs. The incumbent of this position will act as a liaison in monitoring and implementation of special education instructional programs, and case manages students in designated nonpublic day and residential programs to address local and state mandates and priorities, specifically in the subgroup performance areas by addressing the nonpublic special education administrators and staff on such issues that impact students with disabilities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements and reviews Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) which include specific instructional techniques designed to facilitate movement of the students to the least restrictive environment (LRE);
- Assists IEP teams in the development/review of Returnee Plans to identify and assess student readiness to return to the least restrictive environment;
- Collaborates with public school staff and special education specialists to assist in transitioning students back from nonpublic placements;
- Provides technical assistance by interpreting and articulating special education regulations, policies and procedures to nonpublic schools and parents as they relate to instruction, as needed;
- Serves as a liaison with other agencies including the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), in developing and securing appropriate education placements for students with disabilities;
- Serves as special education representative on the County Individualized Education Program (CIEP) Team and Local Care Team (LCT); as needed;
- Prepares funding packets for transmittal to MSDE for approval for placements, as mandated by both federal and state law;
- Maintains database of students on caseload and inputs data in Maryland Online on an ongoing basis;
- Completes educational assessments, as needed;
- Meets with parents, students, nonpublic school personnel and other stakeholders, as needed, to monitor student progress; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Keeps abreast of the latest research, best practices, developments and techniques in the delivery of special education instruction;
- Knowledge of special education instructional techniques, management skills and strategies for modifying curriculum;
- Thorough knowledge of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) organization and K-12 curriculum, program of studies, policies, testing practices and federal and state laws related to instruction;
- Thorough knowledge of private schools for students with disabilities;
- Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multitask and meet deadlines;
- Effective communication (oral and written), as well as human relations skills;
- Experience working with state and county agencies; and
- Experience working with computers and other technology.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in educational and/or special education required. A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience in special education with a strong special education instruction and compliance background required.
Certification:
Advanced Professional Certificate in special education; Administrator I endorsement required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
None.
