Educational Specialist II - Parent Response Unit

• Implements the special education complaint process by addressing and responding to written correspondence, face to face, and telephone Inquiries, requests for assistance and concerns reported by parents, legal guardians and legally appointed representatives within time frames.
• Interprets and implement federal and state rules and regulations that govern special education programs specifically IDEA, FERPA, and COMAR; maintain working knowledge of district policies and procedures.
• Conducts investigations of parent issues/concerns including site visits with district office staff to schools to gather relevant information from school based staff.
• Gathers relevant information, create and maintain student specific case files/records and ensure timely investigation of parent complaints; disseminate written responses within required time frames.
• Works collaboratively with district office staff, school-based staff, and families to resolve parent concerns that relate to special education in an effort to avoid the need for the more formal processes of state complaints, mediations, and due process hearings.
• Develops and disseminates written responses to parent concerns alleging violations of the IDEA that include findings of fact and conclusions based on the law.
• Ensures and manage entry of complaint and resolution related to parent concerns and their outcomes in systemic database; assist with collection and analysis of data related to parent concerns and prepare district and state accountability reports within required time frames.
• Provides technical assistance/support to school-based staff in the implementation of federal and state rules and regulations governing special education programs; oversee completion of corrective or follow-up activities required to address violations of federal and state laws.
• Provides recommendations to schools for improvements in developing quality individualized educational programs that meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Provides technical support to school-based IEP Teams in the decision-making process as it relates to the provision of services and supports to students with disabilities.
• Provides technical assistance to school-based staff including recommendations for strategies to meet student specific academic and behavioral needs and improve academic achievement of students with disabilities.
• Implements an array of best practices dispute resolution methods to ensure effective resolution of parent concerns (including problem solving, and negotiation).
• Provides reporting on issues, patterns and trends related to special education and identify opportunities for quality improvement in complaint management.
• Demonstrates effective leadership and management skills that demonstrate the ability to accomplish successful educational outcomes.

• Master's degree in education, or a related field. Degree must be from an accredited college or institution.
• Valid Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Advance Professional Certificate required.
• Five years' experience working in programs for students with special needs.
• Evaluations of satisfactory/meeting expectancies or better for the past three years.
• Documented experience with federal and state legislation and guidelines governing the IEP process.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of district staff, community agencies, and federal, state and local officials.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to utilize active listening, questioning and negotiation techniques.
• Proficient on the use of technical computer applications, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Access and Excel.
• Organizational, management, leadership, and supervisory skills.

Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
• Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
• Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
• All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application
• All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org

Baltimore City Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry or national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. For inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, please contact Equal Opportunity Manager, Title IX Coordinator Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX Compliance Office 200 E. North Avenue, Room 208 Baltimore, MD 21202; 410-396-8542 (phone); 410-396-2955 (fax).

This position is affiliated with the Public School Administrators and Supervisors (PSASA) bargaining union.

This position is affiliated withe the State Retirement Plan.