Special Education Care Coordinator

Compass Family Services • San Francisco, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Compass Family Services is a nonprofit serving families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in San Francisco. Its early childhood programs comprise three center-based programs serving more than 200 children ages 0–5 and their families each day, with support for children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical development, and special education needs.

The Special Education Care Coordinator ensures that children enrolled at Holy Family Day Home, Compass Children’s Center, and Helen Hawk receive appropriate and timely special education and inclusion services. The coordinator is the primary liaison between families, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC), and service providers. The role guides families through referrals and evaluations and ensures compliance with special education laws and required timelines.

This is a full-time, exempt position, Monday through Friday, with the exact schedule varying according to program needs. The coordinator works at Compass early childhood education programs in the Mission, Tenderloin, and Civic Center; the main office will most likely be at 299 Dolores Street. Salary is $80,000–$90,000 annually.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in Child Development, Mental Health, Special Education, or a related field; or an associate degree and two years of experience in one of those fields.
• Strong working knowledge of special education, including the IEP process, 504 plans, and IFSPs.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Experience working with people from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must pass the LiveScan fingerprinting process and a background check.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with low-income and/or homeless populations.
• Bilingual Spanish skills.
• Knowledge of child development and assessment of young children’s social and emotional functioning.
• Salesforce experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate special education services for enrolled children to ensure timely access to appropriate supports.
• Serve as a liaison with SFUSD, GGRC, children’s physicians, other agencies, and service providers.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking developmental concerns and referrals across multiple childcare sites.
• Guide and support families through the full referral and evaluation process, explaining each step and providing ongoing communication.
• Work with Speech and Language Pathologists and Early Interventionists to ensure students can access needed services.
• Ensure timely transitions from GGRC Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to SFUSD Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collect, review, and submit documentation in accordance with legal and program requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and mandated timelines to ensure compliance.
• Build and maintain relationships with local service providers to facilitate timely evaluations and services.
• Review ASQ screening data in Sparkler and collaborate with teaching staff and families to determine and initiate referrals.
• Partner with teaching staff to monitor children’s progress and ensure continuity of care and services.

Benefits

• Four weeks of vacation in the first year and five weeks in the second year.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and family leave.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance fully covered by Compass for employees and dependent children.
• Long-term disability and life insurance.
• After one year of employment, Compass contributes an amount equal to 5% of salary to a retirement account; the contribution vests during years 2–6.
• Membership in the OPEIU/Local 29 union.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree