Special Education Facilitator

New Bedford Public School District•New Bedford, MA

About The Position

The Special Education Facilitator arranges, organizes, and conducts Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team meetings to determine initial eligibility for special education in collaboration with students, families, special and general education staff, and other service providers. The facilitator supports IEP teams in developing programs designed to meet each student’s unique learning needs, and works with school-based staff and the Special Education Department to develop and implement programming that supports the whole student. The role includes supporting evaluation and referral processes, ensuring that IEPs and related services are implemented, processing IEPs accurately and promptly, and helping teams meet state and federal requirements. The facilitator communicates with families and school personnel, contributes to staff training and student-support planning, maintains records, and completes required reports. The position reports to the Executive Director of Special Education or designee. Compensation is in accordance with the Unit A contract.

Requirements

Certification in the proper area and level from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education in Special Education or School Counseling.
Evidence of specific professional study in special education.
Three years’ experience in special education services.
Knowledge and experience with varied student disabilities and specialized programs.
Experience working with teachers, service providers, administrators, educational advocates or attorneys, families, and community agencies to better integrate services for students.
Understanding of the Special Education Team process and completion of all paperwork requirements.
Excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and social skills with colleagues, district staff, families, and community.
Excellent work attendance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and/or Spanish, are encouraged.

Responsibilities

Plan and schedule Team meetings, including notifications and coordination with school personnel and families.
Work with building-based staff and the Special Education Department to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the whole student.
Assist in developing student support and referral plans that include school and community supports and interventions for academic, social-emotional, and behavioral learning.
Assist with collecting statistical and student data, including assessment data, grades, benchmark testing, MCAS, and at-risk forms; complete required reports and submit them to the Executive Director of Special Education.
Facilitate and chair Team meetings, support the Team evaluation process, and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for special education and related services.
Collaborate with the Special Education Department to communicate appropriate special education procedures and practices to teachers and related service providers.
Ensure that students’ IEPs are followed and related services are provided.
Stay informed about federal and state legal requirements governing special education.
Work with principals and school-based staff to ensure proper completion and implementation of IEPs.
Process IEPs in a timely manner and monitor them for completeness, quality of content, and procedural accuracy.
Communicate professionally with families and answer questions about student IEPs, progress, and the special education process.
Encourage staff to communicate frequently with families and community partners.
Assist in developing staff workshops and training to improve compliance and programming for students with disabilities.
Work with the Special Education Office to ensure thorough completion of the MA DESE Tiered Focused Monitoring System.
Work with the Special Education Department to facilitate and support Team discussions about the need for Extended Year Services (EYS).
Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.
Perform other duties as assigned.