] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → SUPERVISOR, PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

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Supervisor, Physical Disabilities

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Supervisor CODE: 0403 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Supervisor, Physical Disabilities GRADE: O MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the director of Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services (DPSPRS), this individual is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in accordance with federal/state regulations to provide services for students with physical and other disabilities. Works collaboratively with other offices and schools to ensure all occupational therapists (OT) and physical therapists (PT), leaders, and leadership teams are prepared to provide services for students with disabilities. Supports and monitors therapists and school teams with the implementation of federal, state, and local policies and procedures related to students with disabilities; serves as liaison to the Department of Special Education Services (DSES) by collaborating with central office and school-based administrators, and instructional staff members systemwide in regard to students' needs. Ensures success for every student by promoting best practices for the provision of OT and PT, assistive technology, and instruction of students with physical and health-related disabilities. Supports the development and use of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) data tools to ensure the provisioning of services for students with disabilities. Develops, writes, and edits federal and state grant proposals; assumes responsibility for grant oversight; budget management; and coordination with schools. Monitors implementation of assessment, therapy, and professional development and systemwide enactment of federal, state, and local special educational mandates and requirements. Supports parent/guardian involvement and assists in the transition to elementary, secondary, and special schools as needed. Provides leadership and engages all stakeholders including schools, parents/guardians, and the community in support of school readiness and equitable practices that support diverse learners in Montgomery County.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education laws and MCPS policies and procedures regarding special education services, birth to age 21. Knowledge of best practices related to OT and PT, assistive technology for low and high-incidence disabilities, and principles of universal design for learning. Knowledge of various MCPS service delivery models to support the needs of students with disabilities. Working knowledge of features and the progress monitoring tools associated with the Maryland Online Individualized Education Program (MOIEP). Ability to navigate the systemwide data monitoring tool to access and manipulate data associated with the Evidence of Learning (EOL) framework. Considerable knowledge of best practices in special education instruction and the strategies designed to promote inclusive practices. Knowledge of assessment tools and evaluation of students with physical disabilities. Ability to work effectively with staff members, parents/guardians, and students. Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and managerial skills required to partner with other offices, schools and families. Highly skilled using standard office equipment (desk/laptop computers, etc,) and software (MS/Office Suite), efficiently and effectively. Demonstrate competence in evaluating, observing, and supervising OT and PT, special educators, and related staff members assigned to the Physical Disabilities Unit (PDU). Ability to collect and analyze data to enhance decision making directly related to improving student outcomes. Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and manage use of resources.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or related field; Five or more years of educational experience serving students with physical disabilities across a range of ages and settings. Administrative and/or supervisory experience in special education, preferably in public schools. Experience in consulting with staff members in planning and developing professional learning. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements for supervisor or Administrator I. Certification in special education or a related field; for OT and PT, licensing by Maryland Boards of OT or PT is required. Completion of Observing and Analyzing Teaching (OAT) 1 is required; completion of OAT 2 preferred or the ability to obtain OAT 2 within nine months of hire in this position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Frequent overtime and night work required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the core job elements.)

Works closely and collaboratively with the associate superintendent, Office of Special Education (OSE); associate superintendents in the Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI); and the DSES director to ensure the provision of OT, PT, and assistive technology services for students with disabilities within comprehensive and special school settings.

Supervises and evaluates instructional specialists, OTs, PTs, special educators, speech/language pathologists, and supporting services staff members assigned to the Physical Disabilities Unit.

Provides leadership for program support to monitor and analyze data related to assessments and recommendations for therapy and school-based consultation for related services and assistive technology.

Receives and responds to requests from principals and school-based staff members for support regarding the identification, evaluation, provision of related services, and placement of students with disabilities.

Collaborates with staff members in the Central Placement Unit and the Resolution and Compliance Unit as needed.

Manages contracts with agencies providing mandated OT and PT related to vacancies.

Manages the provision of OT, PT, and assistive technology services during Extended School Year, including hiring staff members.

Works cooperatively with school administrators, parents/guardians, teachers, and other staff members during school-based and Central Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings; chairs IEP team meetings as needed.

Supports schools, parents/guardians, and community efforts to improve the outcomes of students with disabilities.

Analyzes student data as reflected in the MOIEP and Performance Matters Unify data platforms and EOL reports.

Participates in mediations, hearings, and other due process procedures.

Conducts professional development activities for central office and school-based staff members.

Responds to and prepares written correspondence to principals, parents/guardians, and community members at-large regarding the provision of special education services.

Assures that staff members, principals, and teachers are informed of changes in special education laws, regulations, and policies related to the provision of related services and assistive technology.

Represents MCPS and OSE on local and state committees.

Collaborates with other MCPS offices to support the effective and consistent implementation of IEP processes and procedures.

Supports MOIEP processes and procedures within OSSI and schools.

Manages the transition to elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as special education schools and programs for students receiving OT and PT, including students enrolled in physical disabilities program classes.

Collaborates with the Division of Business, Fiscal and Information Systems to determine appropriate special education budget and staffing allocations in the PDU.

Assists the Office of Human Resources and Development in hiring OTs and PTs, and staff members assigned to the Interdisciplinary Augmentative Communication Team and the High Incidence Accessible Technology Team.

Supports the monitoring and implementation of Medical Assistance Program documentation.

Works with principals, teachers, and support staff members to build and ensure effective service delivery to students in the physical disabilities program and those receiving OT, PT, and assistive technology.

Develops grant applications and works with federal, state, and local funding sources.

Understands and applies principles of performance evaluation and professional growth for employees.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 3/2019
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.