Special Services Lead .5 fte, and Mental Behavioral Health Specialist MBHS .5 fte

• Facilitates the department’s workflow to ensure the communication and achievement of tasks, responsibilities, and projects related to the implementation of special education services.
• Coordinates and monitors students’ referrals and placements in out-of-district educational programs.
• Works collaboratively with principals, assistant principals, and other staff in problem solving behavioral and social-emotional issues with students, families, and staff.
• Assists in maintaining an environment which encourages parent engagement with students with disabilities and provides ongoing public communication about Special Services Departmental initiatives.  
• Assists with program evaluation, data collection, data, and trend analysis.
• Assists with implementation of research-based teaching methodologies for specialized instruction and fidelity of implementation, scope, and sequence for skill acquisition in alignment with state and district standards, alternate and modified standards, and student data management systems.
• Collaborates with administration in implementing and evaluating professional development learning opportunities.
• Promotes and supports the district’s overall mission by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 
• Provide direct social-emotional skill services to special education students, conducting evaluations and assessments for those suspected of having disabilities.
• Utilize evidence-based best practices across all facets of work, encompassing pre-referral interventions, consultations, and evaluations.
• Participate in designing, implementing, and evaluating early interventions for students encountering academic and behavioral difficulties, including the development of Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).
• Conduct school-based evaluations in collaboration with the existing school psychologist to ascertain eligibility for special education services.
• Collaborate with community mental health providers and case managers to ensure holistic support for students and families. Facilitate connections between students and families and essential community resources.
• Collaborate closely with school social workers in delivering special education services and supports.
• Provide direct evidence-based and culturally responsive social-emotional interventions for students, consult with staff to provide support and interventions, and interpret behaviors for educational staff.
• Assist in developing and providing crisis responses within the school community, including conducting risk and threat assessments.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop, plan, and implement best practices tailored to students’ needs and abilities.
• Support developing and implementing data collection and analysis systems to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Serve as an administrative designee on Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams, facilitating meetings, recording minutes, and completing due process paperwork.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience:

• Licensed as a school worker, LICSW preferred.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in special education programs.

 
 
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
 
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Driver’s license.
• Active MN Educator’s License in Special Education

 
 
Required Knowledge and Skills
 
Required Knowledge:

• District policies and procedures.
• State and Federal laws and regulatory issues governing Special Services Programs in public education, including rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.
• Local community resources, regional community services programs, and regional training programs.
• Principles and techniques of making effective oral presentations.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

 
Required Skills:

• Managing and coordinating a wide variety of Special Services programs and operational issues.
• Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations. 
• Reviewing operations and assuring compliance with laws, regulations, and rules.
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of Department staff.
• Preparing, reviewing and presenting management reports. 
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities. 
• Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District’s established Core Values.
• Advancing the District’s mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

 
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
 
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.  
 
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office setting.
• Travel required to locations throughout the District.

 
Schedule and Compensation:
Salary follows the HEA Contract.
8.0 hours daily, 40.0 hours weekly: 1.0 FTE