Special Education Teacher (Case Manager)

Position Purpose 

Under the general supervision of the Principal in charge of the special education department, case  manage students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); aiding in educational assessment related to students' access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals; write IEPs, schedule IEP meetings; consult with various school team members, parents, outside service providers; coordinate IEP services as needed; plan programs, coordinate curricular resources, and evaluate effectiveness of programs for individuals with exceptional needs; and participage in staff and program development related to the special methods and approaches of providing special education services.  Has knowledge and expertise in special education.  School staff will rely on the Education Specialist provided consultation and educational services within the area of special education.
 

Essential Functions 

• Provide ongoing consultation and guidance on the use of new innovative methods, strategies, and materials which enhance the education progress of students with special needs
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and parents regarding the operational aspects of a special education program
• Develop, write and manage IEPs which include annual goals for students with special needs
• Coordinate appropriate curriculuar resources to ensure IEP objectives are met in an organized and sequential manner
• Provide consultation on curriculum accommodations which assists staff in accommodating the curriculum to meet the learning style and needs of the child with a disability.
• Attend staff trainings, meetings, committees, and teacher meetings
• Ensure all students on caseload are making progress on all goals
• Maintain on-going communication with parents
• Collaborate with specialists (OTs, SLPs and other related service providers) and school staff on monitoring student progress throughout the year, including annual IEP goals
• Support assigned students receiving specialized academic instruction (SAI)
• Obtain academic present leves/baselines
• Follow-up with other service providers as needed to confirm that IEP attendance, reports, and services are being completed
• Complete ongoing contact logs and service logs
• Be available for families on your caseload or assigned to your caseload on an as needed basis via phone and online during school hours
• Draft Assessment Plans, Prior Written Notices, and other IEP related documents to send within timelines
• Coordinate IEPs and follow up on attendees
• Ensure all documents are submitted and available prior to IEP meeting (pshychologist's report, related services provider reports/goals, GE/parent progress reports) and forward to IEP team members.
• Send all reports to parents
• Obtain signatures on Assessment Plans and/or IEP documents
• Draft Individual Transition Planning (ITP) and hold transition meetings, as appropriate
• Monitor confidential tracking database for returned IEPs
• Follow-up with parent, teacher and/or service provider concerns
• Work closely with special education administration team to ensure compliance and report any concerns
• Keep files in office compliant
• Update appropriate database(s) with services, accommodations, IEP dates and other necessary information
• Attend professional develoopment meetings
• Attend special education department meetings
• Complete IEP Progress Reports for each student, including Related Services Provider progress as reported by the Related Services Providers
• Respond as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours to parent, student, teacher and administrative inquiries via phone and/or e-mail during regular work week
• Attend in-person meetings as scheduled

Additional Duties 

- Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:  The above description is illustrative tasks and responsibilites.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
 

Equipment 

- Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel to the teacher's local student center is required.  Occasional travel across the state for all-staff meetings is required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities 

• Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, ect. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special education needs.
• Knowledge of differntiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

The teacher works from their home office and/or student center.  The work environment is often controlled and quiet, but will also frequently include moderate to loud noise.  The work environment may include exposure to unpleasant interior temperatures, dirt, communicable diseases, and distraught or difficult individuals.  The work requires regular focus on a computer screen and precise control of fingers and hand movements.  Bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting up to 20 pounds and may also be required on occasion.
 

Qualifications Profile

1. Must possess an active Oregon teaching license with endorsements in the subjects that the teacher is assigned to teach.
2. Must possess a valid driver's license, running vehicle, and appropriate automobile insurance
3. Must possess job-related experience providing the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability to perform job.
4. Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

Education: 

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education disciplone applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Special Education, preferred.

Experience: 

• Successful prior special education teaching experience, preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt