Special Education Operations Coordinator

Heartwood Charter School - Sonoma, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Sonoma, CA

About the position

The Special Education Operations Coordinator is responsible for providing leadership and support in special education across the district, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and promoting effective educational practices for students from preschool through adult transition programs. This role involves managing IEP meetings, conducting assessments, and developing individualized programs and services to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide developmentally appropriate district-wide special education leadership to school sites, administrators, case managers, and specialists.
• Attend and manage complex IEP meetings to support all team members.
• Conduct and/or arrange formal and informal student assessments and participate in the development of students' individual programs and services.
• Conduct educationally related mental health assessments and make recommendations for appropriate mental health services for students with significant social-emotional and/or behavioral needs.
• Provide expert assistance and legal updates to administrators and special education staff regarding the legal interpretation of federal, state, and education code laws and regulations.
• Provide training for school staff in prevention and proactive pre-referral activities, educationally related mental health services, and behavioral support systems.
• Plan, coordinate, and/or develop social-emotional and behavior supports for students; assist in the development of 504 plans, IEPs, behavior supports, transition plans, and counseling/mental health programs.

Requirements

• Master's of Education preferred.
• California special education credential required, administrative credential preferred.
• Five years of experience in special education, including at least two years in a leadership role within special education.
• Broad knowledge of California special education requirements, laws, and compliance.
• Knowledge of current tools and techniques utilized throughout the state to assess and monitor student performance.
• Strong computer and technology skills, including the ability to communicate about how educational technology tools can assist student learning.
• Commitment to Heartwood Charter School's mission, vision, and goals.
• Passion for working with students; ability to motivate and support students and staff in reaching high levels of academic success.
• Outstanding skills in creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and work closely with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A results-oriented, goal-driven, collaborative approach to work.
• Ability to be flexible and revise priorities in accordance with requirements of the Director or designee.
• Ability to efficiently interpret, manage, and utilize multiple sets of data to best support student progress.
• Ability to develop and implement educational innovations resulting from school- and district-designed needs assessments.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, policies, practices, and procedures related to the District and special education.

Nice-to-haves

• CPR/First Aid Certification (if not currently certified, opportunity will be provided before the year begins).
• Letter of Introduction.
• Letter(s) of Recommendation (at least 3 letters for reference).
• Resume.