Regional ESS Coordinator

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 students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in alignment with South Carolina requirements and Vertex Education standards. The Coordinator builds capacity among school-based ESS teams, general education teachers, health office personnel, and administrators. The role leads professional learning, models specially designed instruction and other high-leverage practices, and supports data collection, lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional implementation. Campus visits include observing instruction, modeling techniques, giving actionable feedback, and facilitating reflective problem-solving. The Coordinator also validates special education and Section 504 documentation, timelines, session tracking, MTSS components, and health-related procedures. In collaboration with Vertex Specialists, the role monitors medication audits, emergency readiness, sensory screenings, and campus health protocols. Other responsibilities include mentoring new special education staff, supporting Level 2 and Level 3 meetings, identifying operational needs, and sharing insights with ESS leadership to improve programs and processes.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in a field pertinent to the education of 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 explain knowledge and professional judgment clearly and comprehensibly.
Use neutrality, data, and guidance when communicating with campus staff and making decisions.
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 maintain composure and neutrality 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.
Hold a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and to sit for extended periods; the role may also involve talking on the phone, standing, kneeling, stooping, and prolonged concentration.
Ability to travel between campuses up to 80% of the time, including local and in-state travel.

Nice To Haves

Specialization in special education is preferred.

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 point of contact for campus teams and ESS staff.
Assess the strengths and needs of assigned campus ESS departments and recommend strategies to improve operations.
Attend Level 2 and Level 3 meetings to support campus teams and promote accurate application of ESS expectations.
Provide operational insights and recommendations for program improvements to Vertex Education supervisors.
Conduct scheduled 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 documentation trends, missing records, and compliance concerns, 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 best practices.
Provide ongoing technical assistance on service delivery and instructional implementation.
Observe health offices and identify opportunities to improve operational practices 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 aligned with district policy.
Ensure campuses have the materials, knowledge, and staff needed to serve students with disabilities appropriately.
Perform other related duties as required by the supervisor.