Position: Student Support Specialist
Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education
Summary of Position:
Performs functions to coordinate and support the implementation of Special Education and MTSS related programs, services, and activities including program coordination, coaching/professional development, support at meetings, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
EDUCATION

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (LBS1, Type 73 School Psychologist or School Social Worker)
• Endorsement in Principal and/or Teacher Leadership

EXPERIENCE

• Experience developing and implementing special education, MTSS, and differentiated instruction/programming
• Experience developing and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current, research-based teaching techniques and instructional methodologies for children with disabilities
• Familiarity with IDEA, ISBE Special Education Rules and Regulations and Procedural Safeguards, and 504 Rules and Regulations and Procedural Safeguards
• Familiarity with the use of technology and related IEP databases
• Ability to coach, mentor, and lead teams
• Ability to facilitate problem solving teams and IEP meetings

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinate special education and MTSS intervention programs within the school
• Schedule and facilitate IEP Meetings and other related conferences as needed or appropriate
• Facilitate collaboration with parents and staff to support understanding and partnership in their child’s IEP process.
• Meet regularly and work collaboratively with staff and parents to discuss individual student’s modifications or adaptations, ongoing learning issues, interventions and concerns.
• Actively participate on problem solving and intervention teams to facilitate early involvement and resolution to learning and behavioral needs.
• Coach, facilitate and/or assist in the completion of required documentation such as IEP reports, Behavior Intervention Plans and Section 504 Plans.
• Support and collaborate with staff to facilitate the IEP process for students in Out-Of-District placements.
• Collaborate with teachers, administration, related service personnel, paraprofessionals and parents to coordinate student programs and services.
• Coordinate transition meetings between programs and grade levels.
• Ensure compliance with Special Education and 504 Rules and Regulations and parental/student rights.
• Actively participate on and/or lead school crisis intervention teams.
• Support the development of a differentiated and safe atmosphere conducive to a positive learning environment.
• Enforce and support District and School policies, philosophies and objectives with students and parents.
• Participate in staff development and school improvement activities in order to maintain professional growth and implementation best practices and strategies.
• Participate in events outside of the regularly scheduled work day.

Physical Ability:
Employees in this position must have the ability to:

• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Enter data into a computer, use standard office equipment and use telephone.
• See and read a computer screen and printed material with or without visual aids.
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.
• Stand, walk and bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push and pull, lift and /or carry up to 25 pounds waist height.
• Occasional lifting or moving up to 100 lbs. may be required, such as lifting a child from the floor or moving children in wheelchairs.

Work Environment:
Hazards - Potential exposure to communicable disease and contact with blood and other body fluids; potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.