A Case Manager/IEP Team Coordinator Level II assists parents and their children who attend PPS PreK receiving special education services. The case manager is responsible for students in referral, Child Find, eligibility, and determination of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the PPS PreK program. 

They work as a part of a team to meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) for Part B and the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations, Chapter 101. This individual does not have written authorization to commit the agency’s funds.

This position is on the non-represented contract and is expected to work a calendar year. This position is dependent on the continued collaboration between CDS and PPS through a Memorandum of Understanding, which is established through the 23-24 school year. 

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

Parent Communication

• Establishes effective rapport with parents.

• Communicates program information to parents.

• Ensures that the Child Find process is explained to parents.

• Ensures that parents receive answers to their questions.

• Informs families of the protections under the procedural safeguards of the MUSER.

• Assists with the development of a transition plan from preschool to public school services, as appropriate

• Working closely with the Multilingual Department staff in order to communicate with parents in their home language

Child Find Process

• Performs initial intake and when appropriate, screening of children by using screening tools

• Coordinates with referral source when authorization from the parent(s) is granted.

• Refers children for evaluation and/or reviews other options with parents.

Evaluation and Assessment

• Ensures that intake information is collected and elicits relevant additional information from parents and team members.

• Ensures that the team is adequately prepared for evaluation and assessment activities.

• Conducts observations in the Least Restrictive Environment as appropriate.

• Gathers and reviews documentation specific to the child’s developmental history.

• Ensures that all procedural timelines for evaluations are met in accordance with MUSER regulations and CDS policies and procedures.

IEP Team

• Ensures that screening and assessment findings are reported to the team.

• Informs parents of the protections under the procedural safeguards of the Maine Special Education regulations.

• Assists with the development of a transition plan from preschool to public school services, as appropriate.

Coordination of Services

• Schedules all IEP meetings in collaboration with CDS (acting as the LEA) and all required team members

• Facilitates/coordinates services with IEP Team members, contracted agencies, and community partners.

• Develops rapport with the service provider to create open communication and enhance good relations.

• Serves as the single point of contact between the CDS system in helping parents to obtain the services and assistance the student requires

• Facilitates, coordinates and monitors the timely delivery of available services.

• Ensures that all procedural timelines for IEP implementation are met in accordance with MUSER regulations and CDS policies and procedures.

Educational Records

• Ensures that communication (i.e. personal contacts, e-mail, letters, phone calls, etc.) is documented as it occurs.

• Maintains documentation appropriate to procedural safeguards under IDEA 2004 and MUSER.

• Ensures that evaluations and observations are documented.

• Provides information for, or completes data entry and electronic documentation tasks necessary to meet CDS and Department requirements.

Other

• Performs any other appropriate duties as assigned by the departments of PreKindergarten Education and/or Student Support Services at Portland Public Schools

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A Department of Education Certificate in one of the following is required:

• 079 Special Education Consultant

• 282 Teacher of Students with Disabilities

• 286 Teacher – Severe Impairments

• 291 Teacher – Visual Impairments

• 292 Teacher – Hearing Impairments

1. Successful background, criminal records, fingerprinting, and reference checks

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Working knowledge of child development, disabilities, family systems, and special education law and practice

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding about preschool children who are eligible under Part B of IDEA 2004 and MUSER

• Ability to interact with a wide variety of people

• Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing

• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations

• Ability to establish an effective rapport with children and parents

• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an IEP team

• Ability to travel to a variety of Portland School Buildings

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to multitask

• Ability to use a computer to maintain electronic records

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace