POSITION SUMMARY:
The Instructional
Specialist - Compliance under the leadership and supervision of the Instructional
Supervisor shall ensure the district’s compliance with state and federal
policies and regulations regarding the implementation of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Ensures
the district’s compliance with IDEA, COMAR and Section 504 by interpreting
special education regulations, policies and procedures;
Ensures
the implementation of the Procedural Safeguards Document to protect the rights
of parents, guardians and surrogates;
Demonstrates
knowledge of IDEA, COMAR and Section 504 by advising and guiding central office
and school-based administrators, teachers, Individualized Education Program
(IEP) team members and parents to ensure the implementation of a Free
Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities;
Demonstrates
knowledge of instructional mandates, including the Every Student Succeeds Act
and guidelines for participating in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness
for College and Careers (PARCC) and the Maryland Alternate Assessments;
Facilitates
and implements procedures required to process Maryland State Department of
Education State Complaints, requests for Mediation, Hearing and Resolution
meetings,Office For Civil Rights and
Section 504 Appeals;
Reviews and analyzes IEPs and students’ records to prepare for IEP
meetings; processes MSDE State Complaints and requests for Due Process Hearings,
Mediations and Resolution meetingsand Section 504 cases;
Conducts professional learning sessions to ensure administrators
and teachers are trained on current legal requirements and mandates to fulfill
IDEA, COMAR andSection
504 regulations;
Updates supervisor and executive leadership on
the status of special education and Section 504 cases in the school
district;
Participates in internal audits to monitor the district’s
compliance with IDEA, COMAR and Section 504;
Participates in MSDE state audits to monitor the district’s
compliance with IDEA and COMAR;
Participates and monitors Corrective Action Plans (CAP);
Assists
Deputy General Counsel in identifying potential witnesses for due process
hearings; and
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Five years (5) of successful teaching experience in special
education;
Thorough knowledge of special education state and federal laws and
mandates;
Thorough
knowledge of Section 504 policies and procedures;
Thorough knowledge of the continuum of services;
Knowledge of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS)
organization and administration of curriculum, program of studies, policies,
and federal and state laws related to instructional responsibility;
Knowledge of the Maryland College, Career, Ready standards; PARCC,
Maryland Alt-Assessment and High School Assessment requirements; and the
graduation path and/or requirements for diploma and non-diploma bound students;
Thorough knowledge and understanding of disabilities;
Effective
oral and written communication skills; and
Excellent
human relations skills.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s Degree from an
accredited institution in the field of education and/or special education. Five (5) years of successful teaching
experience in special education with a strong special education compliance
background; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which
provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform
effectively in this position.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Advanced Professional
Certificate in Special Education or dual certification in General and Special
Education with Administrator I.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.