] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → COORDINATOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION LIAISON

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Coordinator, Special Education Liaison

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Coordinator CODE: 0435 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Coordinator, Special Education Liaison GRADE: N MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the deputy superintendent, the Special Education Liaison (liaison) serves as the connection between the district and parents/families of students with disabilities, employing clear and persistent communication methods, and building trust among families and MCPS staff. The liaison acts as a neutral and impartial advisor for families, community members and other constituents related to special education matters. The liaison coordinates and implements programs and initiatives relative to outreach, learning opportunities, and the improvement of family engagement. Maintains communication and engages the Office of Special Education and the Office of the General Counsel regarding any matters of compliance with federal and state special education laws and district policies raised by parents/guardians or learned through engagement activities. The liaison collects, analyzes and reports data for the purposes of: raising district leadership awareness and accountability; improving relationships with families; increasing the effectiveness of communication, providing accessible resources and information; and improving MCPS special education services and programs. The liaison ensures success for all students and promotes best practices for instructing students with disabilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Understanding and knowledge of educational programs and practices as they relate to students with special needs. Knowledge of MCPS IEP processes and related policies preferred. Ability to plan, organize, manage, and implement successful programs. Ability to relate/interact with various cultures and social groups. Ability to solicit resources for district needs. Ability to exercise strict confidence in handling sensitive student and parent information. Skilled in using Excel and G Suite/Google Drive applications. Demonstrated ability to present articulately, succinctly and to cater presentations, conversations and complex information to different audiences. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, community members, and public agencies; and ability to effectively engage and provide meaningful support to parents, families and students in special education matters. Exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple requests from schools, offices, families, and community stakeholders effectively.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's Degree in education, special education, educational administration, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in a PreK-12 public education setting. Experience in successful conflict resolution and experience in a public-facing role or public relations field. Experience using technology to support learning and engagement of staff, students, and stakeholders. 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: Holds a current Maryland certification in Special Education.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Frequent night meetings, weekend work, and extended work hours. Site and school visits and travel across Montgomery County required.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plans, coordinates and implements best practices in creating and maintaining effective outreach, learning opportunities for parents and families, and meaningful community engagement.

Supports communication between parents and district personnel to improve the quality of relationships and trust; advises school administration and staff on best practices and effective methods of communication; supports individual schools in building strategies to increase and strengthen parent involvement; conducts professional learning sessions with staff to improve parent involvement; and collaborates with all staff regularly to coordinate meetings/workshops for parents.

In conjunction and in collaboration with the Department of Communications and the Office of Special Education, creates and assists in the implementation of communication plans to keep the community informed regarding new programs, initiatives, district changes, or issues impacting families of students with special needs.

Provides regular reports to executive leadership on the effectiveness of engagement efforts and special education programs.

Stays current on all best practices, pending and new legislation, MCPS policies and regulations impacting special education.

Regularly reports to and advises deputy superintendent on issues, challenges, progress, impact and success of programs and district practices relative to special education students and their families. Presents resolutions, improvement plans, new methods of communication and coordinates efforts based on deputy superintendent's approval and feedback.

Serves as a representative of MCPS in various forums and events related to special education and engages county officials, county partners and other stakeholders as needed.

Leads outreach, initiates and responds to parent phone calls, emails, and written correspondence related to parent involvement, school services, and/or supporting students with disabilities.

Provides information to parents about the district's procedures and instructional programs and the names and roles of school administrators and staff members.

Locates and shares community resources with students and families, ensuring that proper connections are made and the needs of families and students are met.

In coordination with the Office of School Support and Well-being, provides information to parents about the resources available to them throughout the school system and community.

Assists parents/guardians with the understanding of IDEA and parental rights and responsibilities; helps parents/guardians who may need support or resolution concerning the IEP processes; and assists parents/guardians with the understanding of progress reports, school progress reports, and report cards.

Researches, secures and coordinates academic-based learning opportunities/workshops for parents at flexible times.

Obtains, analyzes, reports on relevant special education and outreach data to inform improvements and new measures; and monitors and maintains records as directed by the deputy superintendent.

Supports the work of staff members within the Office of Special Education.

Builds a collaborative, working relationship with the Office of Special Education and the Office of the General Counsel to maintain knowledge of special education issues, concerns and challenges facing the district and families with special education students.

Performs related work and other duties as required.
Class Established: 6/2022
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.