Special Education Strategist (Special Ed Consultant, School Social Worker, School Psych)
Job Purpose/Summary: Facilitate all aspects of the provision of special education and support and related services in assigned schools. Facilitate full and individual initial evaluations as part of the agency’s child find process when appropriate; provide for demonstration, feedback and coaching of instructional and behavioral strategies for teachers of students with disabilities receiving special education services.
Essential Functions/Duties & Responsibilities:
● Maintain knowledge of current research-based strategies and instructional practices for students with disabilities.
● Maintain a high degree of visibility in assigned schools to support special education services.
● Collaborate, demonstrate, coach, and provide feedback to special education instructional personnel in academic and behavior strategies and practices to accelerate learning for students with disabilities.
● Facilitate the implementation of the AEA’s child find process leading to determination of students’ eligibility for special education and support or related services.
● Assist special education teachers with monitoring student progress and making data-based instructional changes that support student learning in the Iowa Core Curriculum.
● Assist AEAs and LEAs in maintaining compliance with special education rules and regulations.
● Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with LEA and AEA personnel, parents, and families to improve student outcomes.
● Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of IEPs, and provide support and related services as determined by the IEP team when appropriate.
● Collaborate with AEA and LEA staff to provide support to general education and special education personnel.
● Assist schools in adapting content, choosing methodology and delivering instruction to address the unique needs of students with disabilities.
● Assist school districts in addressing the needs of diverse learners through the school improvement process.
● Provide professional development to teachers, parents, and support staff as appropriate.
● Maintain knowledge and understanding of instructional technology and its application to the teaching and learning process.
● Maintain knowledge of available resources within the agency and elsewhere, and assist schools with access to such resources when needed.
● Use available technology to complete and disseminate appropriate documentation of activities and results.
● Adhere to the Iowa Department of Education rules, IDEA Part B and C statute and regulations, and Northwest AEA policies and procedures.
● Other duties as assigned.