The Westwood School District is seeking an Out-of-District Special Education Team Coordinator. It is the responsibility of the OOD coordinator to schedule and chair TEAM meetings and facilitate the special education process for out-of-district students, and support parents’ understanding of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and referral process. This position will also support the facilitation of in-district team meetings, as appropriate.

 

Our District:

Westwood is a welcoming suburban community with an exceptional track record of supporting and celebrating its public schools.  As a district, we are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, and we understand that a diverse team allows us to serve our community better. We welcome and encourage individuals of every race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status to seek opportunities within our school district.

 

You will join the strong professional learning community of the Westwood Public Schools. In our mission to prepare students for college, career, and civic life, we work collaboratively to provide rich and rigorous curriculum, high-quality instruction, trusting relationships, and authentic educational experiences.  We hold true to our core district values of academic excellence and a commitment to improvement; curiosity and tenacity; and respectful relationships in a caring, collaborative community. 

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Monitor the effectiveness of the program placements for students.
• Ensure that special education programs, services, and related materials are aligned with standard curriculum goals.
• Coordinate all aspects of team meetings, chair team meetings, and schedule team evaluations, re-evaluations, and annual review meetings, in accordance with the requirements of 603 CMR 28.00.; search/identify appropriate program, disseminate  student profiles and records to potential placements, facilitate placement interviews, chair all IEP meetings and IEP development in collaboration with out-of-district placements.
• Oversee the monitoring and implementation of required special education procedures regarding evaluation, placement and related monitoring.
• Consult, interpret, document and coordinate student information for assessments/evaluations, IEP, Extended School Year (ESY) and supervise the completion of the necessary reports and mandated documentation for OOD caseload.
• Monitor student progress reports, attendance, Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and report cards for each student.
• Work with outside state agencies in collaboration with the school team and coordinate interagency communication (i.e. Department of Children and Families (DCF),  Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
• Oversee the completion of all paperwork associated with the students’ Individual Education Program (IEP) and placement.
• Ensure that department and student records are current and maintained. Monitor and report on required special education compliance as requested by the Administrator of Special Education.
• Prepare other reports assigned or requested by the Administrator  of Special Education.
• Maintaining close contact with out-of-district providers and parents to assess student progress.
• Monitor placement compliance with regulations.
• Support placement in and/or return to less restrictive placement.
• Plan transition for secondary students in collaboration with the Transition Coordinator. 
• Maintain all appropriate special education timelines. 
• Keep current database on placements, tuition and transportation costs, assisting with Circuit Breaker reimbursement procedures as directed.
• Assist with related transportation issues.
• Coordinate and review with Westwood’s Guidance Department out-of-district student transcripts to ensure graduation requirements have been met.
• Participate actively and regularly in special education department and building meetings
• Commit district resources.
• Other duties as designated by the Administrator of Special Education..

Qualifications and Requirements/Preferences:

• Master’s degree in a related field required;
• Prefer minimum five years’ experience working in a school setting with students with disabilities and their families preferred.
• Prefer minimum of three years’ experience in an administrative role within the public school setting preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing required.
• Licensed by DESE as special education administrator, 
• Must demonstrate an understanding of 603 CMR 28.00 and have thorough knowledge of all aspects of the Interdisciplinary TEAM special education process and mandated special education procedures, including transition planning for students 14 and older required. Proficient in understanding diagnostic procedures, interpretation of various assessment tools and goal/program development preferred.
• Reliable transportation for travel to out-of-district placements.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER_____________________________________________________

 

The Westwood Public Schools is committed to ensuring that applicants are recruited, hired, and promoted on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability to meet the job demands without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.