Parent Liaison @ Special Education # 3873

Mt. Diablo Unified School District•Concord, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief, Special Education & Pupil Services, serves as a liaison to parents of special needs students regarding the District’s Special Education Program, services and activities; facilitates understanding of and provides resources and information related to special education programs and objectives; works collaboratively with District staff assisting parents in accessing programs and resources in an effort to implement Individualized Education Plan goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field: special education, child development, counseling, social work, or other relevant discipline is desirable and may be considered as partial fulfillment of the work experience requirement.
A combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities identified above.
Three (3) years of demonstrated and verifiable successful experience working with the public or in a school environment, working with special needs students.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Special Education programs, laws, and regulations, including, but not limited to, the requirements of IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA as they pertain to the duties of school districts toward children with disabilities and their parents
Knowledge of the program objectives and the programs and services available for students
Knowledge of the multiple methods for meeting student needs in an appropriate and effective manner.
Knowledge of disabilities and the criteria for eligibility for services and levels of service.
Knowledge of the principles of motivation and learning related to the special needs child.
Knowledge of family dynamics.
Knowledge of relevant public and private community agencies and informational resources available to special needs students and their families.
Knowledge of the social and ethnic composition of the community.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of writing and composition, simple record-keeping techniques, and appropriate oral and written communications.
Demonstrates ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrates discretion and initiative.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and collaborative working relationships with families, teachers, educational, and community agencies.
Ability to assist in the development and preparation of IEPs.
Ability to access community resources.
Ability to facilitate meetings and coordinate training and in-service sessions.
Ability to recognize situations that require referral to others.
Ability to exercise patience, diplomacy, good judgment, and tact.
Ability to motivate parents to participate in school programs and activities.
Ability to write creatively, clearly, and effectively.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
Ability to operate a computer workstation, as well as one or more commonly used word processing and desktop publishing programs to create flyers, agendas, brochures, and other relevant materials.
Ability to perform basic clerical duties, including the operation of a variety of office machines, such as a copier, calculator, etc.
Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance
TB test clearance

Responsibilities

Serve as a liaison to parents of special needs students regarding the Special Education Program and its activities; assists parents with the Individual Education Program process and related activities.
Maintains appropriate documentation related to parent contacts, compliance complaints, home visits, parental meeting attendance and other forms of parent participation as directed by the Chief, Special Education & Pupil Services.
Prepares and assists in preparing written and oral reports regarding the Parent Liaison Program and other matters as directed by the Chief, Special Education & Pupil Services.
Provides input and information to school staff and families regarding the needs and disabilities of students, which have an educational impact.
Works collaboratively with district staff and or other organizations/individuals in an effort to resolve parent complaints and or respond to parent inquiries/requests for information.
Oversees Resource Parent Program.
Increases families' knowledge and involvement by helping families identify and independently use community resources, activities, and support groups.
Makes home visits and telephone calls to parents of students enrolled in special education classes; encourages interest and involvement in activities at the child’s school; and attends IEP meetings upon request.
Assists in consulting with families, staff, and teachers to determine needs to be addressed in IEP, and to identify and provide information regarding appropriate educational and community resources; assists families in gaining access to instructional special education programs and services for students with special needs: informs parents regarding student program options, and may accompany them on site visits.
Communicates with parents and staff pursuant to district-wide policy of open communication, including openly discussing services for students.
Works with parents to develop resources and/or acceptable alternatives.
Assists the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Chair and Board in planning, organizing, and facilitating meetings of the CAC; arranging for speakers; preparing agendas and backup materials; arranging for childcare and translations; serves as ex-official member of all CAC committees, including that committee charged with developing a parent-friendly legal rights notice assuring that the readability level is appropriate for parent needs. Preparing and distributing notices and reminders to parents and staff.
Participates in personnel development activities as a trainee and trainer.
Assists program specialists, teachers, and paraprofessional staff in a variety of duties including, but not limited to, scheduling and attending meetings and parent workshops, planning educational programs for the parents and providing support to parents of students.
Serves as a resource for local community events related to Special Education.
Maintains parent-friendly communications, including but not limited to, regularly writing for and/or contributing to the District’s Newsletter.
Administers a “help line” for parents to assist in responding to parent questions and concerns.
Participates in the Back to School Program for parents to meet with special teachers, specialists, and administrative and support staff.
Provide appropriate information to the Chief, Special Education & Pupil Services, Special Education Administrators; Special Education Teachers, and other personnel relative to parent communications and observation.
Performs additional duties assigned by the Chief, Special Education & Pupil Services.
Performs these duties and responsibilities, including supervisory and advisory duties as may be prescribed by the Superintendent.