Out of District IEP Specialist

PAWTUCKET SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Out-of-District IEP Specialist 9am to 3 pm

SUMMARY:

The Pawtucket School Department is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and knowledgeable special educator to serve as the Out-of-District IEP Specialist. This individual will oversee the coordination, compliance, and management of special education services for students placed in out-of-district programs and parentally placed private schools.

The Out-of-District IEP Specialist will act as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for assigned meetings and will coordinate all aspects of special education compliance, including IEP meetings, reevaluations, observations, documentation, and communication with families and outside agencies. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of IDEA and Rhode Island Special Education Regulations.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate, organize, and attend all IEP meetings for students placed in out-of-district programs and parentally placed private schools
• Serve as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative at assigned IEP meetings to ensure compliance with IDEA regulations, district procedures, and state mandates
• Serve as a liaison between the Pawtucket School Department, families, out-of-district placements, private schools, evaluators, and community agencies
• Monitor and maintain compliance timelines for annual reviews, reevaluations, evaluations, placement reviews, and other mandated special education processes
• Coordinate and support reevaluations for students attending out-of-district placements and parentally placed private schools
• Conduct student observations at out-of-district schools, private schools, and other educational settings as needed
• Review and monitor special education documentation to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with RI Special Education Regulations and IDEA
• Support Special Education Administration with data collection, reports, ESY documentation, meetings, and compliance submissions in a timely manner
• Maintain organized records and documentation related to out-of-district students and services
• Collaborate with school staff, service providers, and families to support continuity of educational programming and services
• Provide guidance and support regarding IEP development, procedural safeguards, compliance requirements, and district procedures
• Facilitate the development, review, and revision of individualized, measurable, and compliant IEPs aligned to student needs
• Track student progress toward IEP goals and support data collection and reporting requirements
• Assist principals and special education administration with placement reviews, transition planning, and special education programming decisions
• Disseminate communication from the Special Education Administration Office to staff, families, and outside providers
• Support staff with the use of PowerSchool, Skyward, and other district platforms related to special education documentation and compliance
• Ensure compliance with all Rhode Island Special Education Regulations, IDEA timelines, and district procedures

IS KNOWLEDGEABLE OF:

• IDEA, Rhode Island Special Education Regulations, MTSS, and State/Federal special education mandates
• Special education compliance procedures and timelines
• IEP development, evaluation procedures, and reevaluation requirements
• Specialized instruction and related services
• Assessment administration and interpretation
• Policies and procedures of the Pawtucket School Department and the Rhode Island Department of Education
• Effective collaboration with families, community agencies, and outside educational programs

SKILLED AT:

• Organization and time management
• Public speaking, writing, listening, and problem-solving
• Leadership and facilitation of meetings
• Collaboration and communication with multidisciplinary teams and families
• Conflict resolution and relationship-building
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Use of instructional technology and district data systems
• Working independently while managing multiple responsibilities and timelines
• Observing and understanding effective instructional practices

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license
• Rhode Island Certification as a Special Education Teacher
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of three years of special education teaching experience
• Preferred experience with facilitating an evaluation team meeting and completing educational evaluations and observations
• Preferred experience working with out-of-district placements and/or parentally placed private schools
• Experience coordinating IEP meetings and compliance timelines
• Demonstrated expertise in writing accurate and compliant IEPs
• Experience working with students with a variety of disabilities, including behavioral/social-emotional needs
• Proficiency with Skyward, PowerSchool, and special education data systems
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience with diversity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

Full PSD benefits package; 184-day contract
Salary range dependent upon step level and degree attainment level

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SUPERVISOR.