Special Education Coordinator

Unity Schools•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Oakland Unity Middle School seeks a passionate and dedicated Special Education Coordinator to support our small but mighty team. This position requires an educator committed to working with low-income, inner-city youth and helping them become first-generation college-goers. The ideal candidate wants to be part of a small school community where everyone on campus feels responsible for the success of all students.

Requirements

Valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe)
Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience in special education
Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and California special education laws and regulations
Experience developing and implementing IEPs
Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in technology (Google Docs, SEIS, student information systems, IEP software)
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
Commitment to working with low-income, urban youth and families

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Special Education or related field
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, or social-emotional learning
Experience with co-teaching models and inclusive practices
Knowledge of assistive technology and universal design for learning (UDL)
Prior experience working with Sonoma County Charter SELPA or similar SELPA

Responsibilities

Coordinate scheduling and delivery of special education and related services with support from case managers
Provide leadership to the student study team in identifying students with special and exceptional needs
Assist in the development of procedures for special education programs in accordance with state and federal laws as they relate to individuals with exceptional needs
Orient general and special education staff regarding special education policies, procedures, and best practices
Develop and implement systems to ensure compliance with special education regulations and timelines
Monitor program effectiveness and make recommendations for continuous improvement
Stay current on changes to special education law, regulations, and best practices
Coordinate the development of proposed assessment plans and arrange for assessments required to determine students' eligibility, educational needs, and placement
May administer and score academic proficiency tests as needed (when not conducted by school psychologist)
Utilize assessment information in the design and development of IEPs
Collaborate with school psychologists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive evaluations
Ensure all assessments are culturally responsive and conducted in accordance with legal requirements
Monitor assessment timelines to ensure compliance with regulatory deadlines
Coordinate IEP meetings and ensure timely scheduling for annual reviews, triennial evaluations, and interim meetings
Serve as LEA (Local Educational Agency) Administrative designee at IEP meetings
Facilitate IEP meetings as needed, ensuring collaborative participation from all team members
Develop and write IEPs with input from team members as needed
Recommend modifications of IEPs as appropriate based on student progress and needs
Ensure IEP goals are measurable, meaningful, and aligned with student needs
Monitor IEP implementation and fidelity across classrooms and service providers
Maintain master calendar of all IEP meetings, deadlines, and compliance requirements
Assist parents in participating in special education and IEP processes
Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and services
Provide translation and interpretation support as needed for families whose primary language is not English
Help families understand their rights and procedural safeguards
Build collaborative partnerships with families to support student success
Respond to parent concerns and facilitate problem-solving discussions
Connect families with community resources and support services
Instruct students in their areas of need in a small group or in a period designed to instruct students in a core curricular area
Plan with general education teachers to modify assignments that students could not otherwise perform
Build capacity among special education staff to differentiate instruction and provide accommodations
Provide teachers with examples of appropriate curriculum materials and recommendations for the use of materials
Ensure specially designed instruction is delivered with fidelity
Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and adjust services as needed
Supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of instructional assistant(s) and paraprofessionals
Conduct regular meetings with special education team members
Foster a collaborative culture among special education and general education staff
Maintain all student special education records in accordance with confidentiality requirements and retention policies
Prepare and disseminate special education reports to teachers and other stakeholders
Monitor and keep up-to-date district SEIS (Special Education Information System) system
Serve as district SEIS administrator
Work with back office staff to submit twice-yearly SEIS/CALPADS submissions to SELPA and California Department of Education (CDE)
Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted within timelines
Conduct regular compliance reviews and audits of special education files
Track and report service delivery hours and related services