Regional ESS Corodinator

Vertex Education•Columbia, SC

About The Position

The Regional Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Coordinator is a systems-level partner who strengthens compliance, instructional quality, and operational excellence across an assigned region of schools. The role provides training, technical assistance, live coaching, and program validation to help ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in accordance with South Carolina requirements and Vertex Education standards. The Coordinator builds capacity among site-based ESS teams, general education teachers, health office personnel, and school administrators. Responsibilities include leading professional learning, modeling specially designed instruction, and supporting data collection, lesson planning, classroom management, and high-leverage practices. Campus visits include observing instruction, giving actionable feedback, modeling techniques, and supporting reflective problem-solving. The role validates special education and Section 504 documentation, timelines, service-session tracking, MTSS components, and health-related procedures. In collaboration with Vertex Specialists, the Coordinator monitors medication practices, emergency readiness, sensory screenings, and campus health protocols. The Coordinator also mentors new special education staff, supports Level 2 and Level 3 meetings, identifies operational needs, and communicates recommendations to ESS leadership. This position requires travel between campuses up to 80% of the time, including local and in-state travel.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in a field pertinent to educating students with disabilities; special education is preferred.
South Carolina Department of Education certification in special education, school psychology, speech pathology, or a related field.
Three years of experience in special education service provision.
Ability to communicate knowledge and professional judgment clearly and comprehensibly.
Ability to communicate neutrally with campus staff and make decisions using data and guidance.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Professional conduct, honesty, integrity, and adherence to the ethical standards of special education professions.
Ability to collaborate and work effectively within a team.
Active listening skills and willingness to ask questions when information is unclear.
Openness to new ideas and professional development.
Ability to remain composed and neutral while carrying out responsibilities.
Ability to use feedback and constructive criticism to improve personal and staff performance.
Pass a criminal history background check.
Obtain and maintain a valid IVP Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Ability to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds on occasion.
Ability to sit for extended periods and, as needed, talk on the phone, stand, kneel, and stoop, and sustain concentration.

Nice To Haves

Special education as the field of study for the required graduate degree.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Vertex ESS Department to align regional and campus-based ESS practices.
Build knowledge of South Carolina ESS regulations and serve as a resource for campus teams and ESS staff.
Assess assigned campuses’ ESS strengths and needs and recommend strategies to improve operations.
Attend Level 2 and Level 3 meetings to support campus teams and the application of ESS expectations.
Provide operational insights and recommendations to Vertex Education supervisors.
Conduct campus visits to validate special education and Section 504 compliance, including evaluation and IEP timelines, session tracking, MTSS documentation, and state requirements.
Work with Specialists to verify Section 504 and Student Health Services compliance indicators.
Maintain organized special education records and check required uploads and documentation.
Monitor compliance trends, missing documents, and issues, and communicate with the compliance team.
Provide training and professional development in specially designed and general education instruction.
Observe instruction, model high-leverage practices, and provide targeted feedback to educators.
Engage staff in reflective problem-solving and critical thinking about instructional design and delivery.
Mentor new special education hires on Vertex ESS policies, procedures, expectations, and practices.
Provide ongoing technical assistance about service delivery and instructional implementation.
Observe health office operations and identify opportunities for improvement in alignment with district policies.
Validate medication counts and storage, student health action plans and medication consent forms, monthly AED checks and documentation, and required sensory screenings.
Review campus substitute binders for required health-related materials.
Ensure campuses have the materials, knowledge, and staff needed to provide appropriate services to students with disabilities.
Perform other related duties as required by the supervisor.