] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, DIVISION OF PREKINDERGARTEN, SPECIAL PROGRAMS, AND RELATED SERVICES, PHYSICAL DISABILITIES PROGRAM

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Instructional Specialist, Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services, Physical Disabilities Program

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Division of Prekindergarten, Special Programs, and Related Services, Physical Disabilities Program GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the supervisor, Physical Disabilities Program, supports implementation of occupational and physical therapy services that are provided in accordance with federal and state regulations to students with disabilities. Major responsibilities include assisting the supervisor in day-to-day operations including caseload management, participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings; coordinating and conducting professional development; providing technical assistance to staff, monitoring student database and preparing reports, communicating with parents, school administrators and central office staff on related issues, and participation in due process and preschool transition meetings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Code of Maryland Regulations governing the identification, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities. Understands the continuum of special education and related services. Knowledge of sensory and motor development, assessments and strategies/approaches. Ability to work effectively with administrators, principals, teachers and parents to provide educational services for students with disabilities. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database and assistive technology tools. Excellent human relations, organizational, oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and problem-solving skills required. Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks at a time. This position requires the knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters or MEQ with a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy/physical therapy (OT/PT) and licensure by the state board of OT/PT practice. At least five years successful experience in educational based therapy including assessing and implementing interventions for students with disabilities. Experience in developing IEP documents. 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. Completion of Observation and Analysis of Teaching I (OAT I) is preferred.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland State certification requirements for Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy.
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.) Ability to work extra hours and attend evening meetings as needed; requires travel throughout the county
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working with the supervisor of physical disabilities, the instructional specialist:

Provides consultation and technical assistance on IEP related issues and school based therapy to staff therapists

Maintains database of students and develops caseloads for therapists

Participates in IEP team meetings

Develops Extended School Year caseloads

Serves as liaison for therapy contract services

Assists with recruiting and interviewing prospective employees

Serves as chairperson on prekindergarten IEP team meetings

Conducts professional development to provide information to MCPS staff

Coordinates activities and serves as liaison to other offices, departments, divisions and/or units in MCPS, the community, and the Maryland State Department of Education

Assists in the allocation of resources and program development

Analyzes data regarding student outcomes to identify best practices

Helps with solutions to legal issues; represents the program at due process procedures

Assists with transportation forms

Assists with completion of Medical Assistance and prekindergarten Work Sampling System forms

Keeps abreast of new program developments and legal requirements, reviews recent literature and research studies and applies information to program development

Serves on steering committees and task forces

Performs related work and other duties as required.
Class Established: 7/82
Date(s) Revised: 8/12
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.