Coordinator, Special Education

Job Title: Special Education Coordinator  

Location: Teacher Administration Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha NE 68131

Reports To: Special Education Executive Director  

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12-month / Exempt

Salary Schedule: Omaha School Administrators Association (OSAA) Level 8 / Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience. Placement on the salary schedule will follow the applicable agreement. 

Position Purpose: The Special Education Coordinator improves outcomes for students with disabilities by analyzing student and program data to guide instructional practice, monitor state indicators, and support implementation of the NDE continuous improvement plan. The role collaborates with school leaders, Teaching and Learning Consultants, district departments, and community partners to develop student support plans, strengthen secondary specially designed instruction, manage key programs and partnerships, and align special education compliance monitoring with continuous improvement and student success. 

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Monitor and implement components of the NDE special education continuous improvement plan. 
• Monitor progress on state-reported indicators. 
• Support the development of secondary, specially designed instruction. 
• Analyze achievement data for special education students. 
• Develop student support plans with principals and Teaching and Learning Consultants. 
• Manage special education district partnerships. 
• Manage Next Level Learning and Extended School Year for special education students. 
• Manage Medicaid in Public Schools (MiPS) special education processes. 
• Collaborate regularly with other departments.  
• Develop and provide professional development to staff. 
• Develop and implement corrective action plans required by NDE to include file reviews, providing training to school staff, and procedural updates.  
• Respond to and mediate parent concerns. 
• Attend IEP meetings that include legal counsel representation at the direction of the Executive Director of Special Education. 
• Monitor the OPS special education website and make updates as needed. 
• Review IEP drafts and conduct preparation meetings with school teams. 
• Maintains effective communication with staff, families, and community agencies.
• Assists staff in problem-solving with any team, child/family issues that arise.
• Works with an understanding of a diverse student population and equity.
• Shows evidence of the willingness and ability to comply with ethical and professional performance standards established by district policy and the State Board of Education.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Omaha Public Schools. 

Additional Duties: 
Performs other related tasks as assigned by Executive Director of Special Education and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree with major emphasis in educational administration. 
• A valid Nebraska teaching certificate with endorsement in administration is required. 
• A minimum of three years of successful administrative experience in a school district is preferred.  
• High school experience is preferred. 
• Experience monitoring special education compliance at the school, state or federal level.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Rule 51, Rule 52. 
• Exemplary communication and organizational skills.  
• Exemplary skills in leadership and interpersonal relations. 
• Must be self-motivated and detail oriented.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to show flexibility, establish and maintain effective working relationships as needed by work assignments.
• Leadership abilities to facilitate meetings, resolve conflicts, and demonstrate listening skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with staff, families, and professional partnerships through regular communication and engagement with impacted individuals.
• Knowledge and openness to learning about diverse cultures.
• Ability to use Microsoft Teams to facilitate meetings with staff, external agencies, and families as appropriate.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• A working knowledge of Omaha Public Schools (OPS) policies and procedures, principles, and practices of the organization.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines as well as iPads, and video recording equipment. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Travel between schools and central offices will be required. Occasional travel outside of Omaha or Nebraska may be required. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in school building and central office environments.

Interrelations:

• Contact personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks. 
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy. 
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for the school system to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator. 
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Regular attendance is important. 

Terms of Employment:

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.  

Terms of employment are contingent upon:  

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.  
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.  
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.  
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).  
• Execution and delivery to OPS of an Administrator Contract presented by OPS. 

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)    

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240. 

Salary : $126,413 - $154,039