Why NHCS?Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS) is a tuition-free open enrollment charter school for grades K1-12 in Dorchester that is a public alternative to traditional district schools. We serve over 800 students across two campuses predominantly from the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. We believe in the social emotional well-being of our students and know that a well-coached and supported educator is instrumental in helping our scholars both academically and in their SEL growth. We do not give up on kids. Our expectation is that all of our students thrive at NHCS, graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education on the path to life success. Our educators are partners with our scholars and their families as they embark on this path.What is the Special Education Coordinator role?As the Special Education Coordinator you provide leadership in, and supervision of the delivery of special education services, accommodations, supports, and modifications for students with disabilities at NHCS. You also manage the systems and procedures involved in ensuring that students with disabilities are provided with a high quality learning experience designed to meet their needs.This position is an 11-month position at our Queen Street (K-7) campus. The school day is 8-4 pm. Someone coming to us with 2 years of experience and a master’s degree can expect to make $76,255.Duties and ResponsibilitiesManagement of StaffScreen, interview, and observe special education teacher applicants and, in collaboration with the Director of Student Services, make determinations about hiring for open positions each year.Provide direct supervision to Grade Level Special Ed Teachers, Partial Inclusion Special Ed Teachers, Substantially Separate Special Ed Teachers, and Special Ed Fellows.Conduct observations in compliance with NHCS observation schedule and provide both informal feedback as well as formal evaluations (Middle and End of Year). Provide training and professional development opportunities for both special education and general education teachers and support staff in areas such as specialized instruction activities, co-teaching, accommodations, and inclusion.Provide training and technical assistance to case managers on all aspects of IEP and 504 meeting planning, running, and follow-up including but not limited to: use of computer systems for managing the special education process, evaluation and meeting trackers, writing IEPs and 504 plans, completing required meeting paperwork, goal writing, progress reports, file maintenance, and parent communication.Facilitate regular team meetings with special education staff and team chairs.Management of Systems / ProceduresOversee caseload management, meeting schedules, and DESE timeline and paperwork complianceEnsure appropriate delivery of special education instruction, related services, accommodations, and modifications in compliance with IEPs and 504 plans.Communicate with families (and staff as needed) re: the special education process, including referral for an evaluation, evaluation content and timelines, IEP and 504 Plan meeting structure and purpose, and IDEA and MA parental rights and safeguards.Manage proper maintenance of IEP and 504 Plan documents (both digital and paper files).Maintain evaluation and meeting tracker spreadsheet with up-to-date edits, additions, and student data.Ensure maintenance of Testing Accommodations documentation tracker.Oversee both door-to-door transportation and Extended School Year rosters in collaboration with the Operations Department.As needed, ensure that all relevant documents are translated, sent to families, and filed in IEP folders.Coordinate special education teachers and related service providers to complete quarterly progress reports.Oversee management and usage of special education related materials and programs (i.e., instructional and testing materials, digital programs, etc.).In collaboration with the Director of Student Services and Family Engagement Manager, conduct special education parent advisory council meetings at least quarterly on topics relevant to student achievement, special education regulations and policies, and maximizing the learning of students with special needs.IEP / 504 Plans and MeetingsManage “folder holders” to ensure that all meeting documents (i.e., agenda template, evaluations, progress summary and projected goals, paperwork, etc.) are prepared according to school policies and procedures in a timely manner.Ensure folder holders are prepared to chair all annual IEP and 504 Plan review meetings.Chair all initial and re-evaluation meetings as well as annual reviews for students in Partial Inclusion or Substantially Separate classes and any others as determined in collaboration with the Director of Student ServicesEnsure IEP and 504 Plans are developmentally appropriate, strengths-based, and specific to the individual needs of the student as well as in compliance with DESE mandates and regulations regarding program placement and services.Read and sign all IEPs prior to them being provided to families and staff.Is This You?You are committed to cultivating anti-racist, culturally responsive and restorative practices;You have a minimum of five years of experience in a school setting, a Master's Degree or higher in Special Education, School Psychology, or a related field, and your Special Education Certification for Grades K-8 and/or Grades 5-12You are organized, and developing staff and systems management excites you;You believe in a Warm Demanding ethos where the two phrases, “We care about you” and “We have the highest expectations for you” go hand in hand;You are committed to cultivating the social emotional wellbeing of all of our scholars both in and out of the classroom;You will thrive in a community in which all members demonstrate accountability, flexibility, humor, effort, responsibility, respect and hope;You are able to start on Monday, August 12, 2024.Neighborhood House Charter School (NHCS) is committed to being an anti-racist organization. The work of racial justice does not belong to a department or position; it is the responsibility of every member of our community - scholar, family, and educator. As an educational organization, we are committed to continual growth and learning so everyone can find a safe place to belong and walk on their own anti-racist journey in the midst of a racially diverse and vibrant community. This will ensure that we, as an organization, reflect, equip, and care for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity for all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, age, disability, marital status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. We encourage you to apply even if you feel that you do not meet all the stated requirements for the position. Application ProcessThank you for your interest in our school. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and look forward to hearing from you. Please send a cover letter and resume using the provided link.