Special Education Coordinator

Special Education Coordinator Job Description

Oakland Unity Middle School

Position Summary: Oakland Unity Middle School seeks a passionate and dedicated Special
Education Coordinator to support our small but mighty team. This position requires an educator
committed to working with low-income, inner-city youth and helping them become
first-generation college-goers. The ideal candidate wants to be part of a small school community
where everyone on campus feels responsible for the success of all students.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Coordination
● Coordinate scheduling and delivery of special education and related services with
support from case managers
● Provide leadership to the student study team in identifying students with special and
exceptional needs
● Assist in the development of procedures for special education programs in accordance
with state and federal laws as they relate to individuals with exceptional needs
● Orient general and special education staff regarding special education policies,
procedures, and best practices
● Develop and implement systems to ensure compliance with special education
regulations and timelines
● Monitor program effectiveness and make recommendations for continuous improvement
● Stay current on changes to special education law, regulations, and best practices

Assessment & Eligibility
● Coordinate the development of proposed assessment plans and arrange for
assessments required to determine students' eligibility, educational needs, and
placement
● May administer and score academic proficiency tests as needed (when not conducted by
school psychologist)
● Utilize assessment information in the design and development of IEPs
● Collaborate with school psychologists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive
evaluations
● Ensure all assessments are culturally responsive and conducted in accordance with
legal requirements
● Monitor assessment timelines to ensure compliance with regulatory deadlines

IEP Development & Management

● Coordinate IEP meetings and ensure timely scheduling for annual reviews, triennial
evaluations, and interim meetings
● Serve as LEA (Local Educational Agency) Administrative designee at IEP meetings
● Facilitate IEP meetings as needed, ensuring collaborative participation from all team
members
● Develop and write IEPs with input from team members as needed
● Recommend modifications of IEPs as appropriate based on student progress and needs
● Ensure IEP goals are measurable, meaningful, and aligned with student needs
● Monitor IEP implementation and fidelity across classrooms and service providers
● Maintain master calendar of all IEP meetings, deadlines, and compliance requirements

Parent & Family Support
● Assist parents in participating in special education and IEP processes
● Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and services
● Provide translation and interpretation support as needed for families whose primary
language is not English
● Help families understand their rights and procedural safeguards
● Build collaborative partnerships with families to support student success
● Respond to parent concerns and facilitate problem-solving discussions
● Connect families with community resources and support services

Instructional Support & Collaboration
● Instruct students in their areas of need in a small group or in a period designed to
instruct students in a core curricular area
● Plan with general education teachers to modify assignments that students could not
otherwise perform
● Build capacity among special education staff to differentiate instruction and provide
accommodations
● Provide teachers with examples of appropriate curriculum materials and
recommendations for the use of materials
● Ensure specially designed instruction is delivered with fidelity
● Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and adjust services as needed

Staff Supervision & Development
● Supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of instructional assistant(s) and
paraprofessionals
● Conduct regular meetings with special education team members

● Foster a collaborative culture among special education and general education staff

Records Management & Compliance
● Maintain all student special education records in accordance with confidentiality
requirements and retention policies
● Prepare and disseminate special education reports to teachers and other stakeholders
● Monitor and keep up-to-date district SEIS (Special Education Information System)
system
● Serve as district SEIS administrator
● Work with back office staff to submit twice-yearly SEIS/CALPADS submissions to SELPA
and California Department of Education (CDE)
● Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted within timelines
● Conduct regular compliance reviews and audits of special education files
● Track and report service delivery hours and related services

Qualifications

Required:
● Valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild/Moderate or
Moderate/Severe)
● Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience in special education
● Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and California special education laws and
regulations
● Experience developing and implementing IEPs
● Strong organizational and project management skills
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Proficiency in technology (Google Docs, SEIS, student information systems, IEP
software)
● Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
● Commitment to working with low-income, urban youth and families

Preferred:
● Master's degree in Special Education or related field
● Bilingual in English and Spanish
● Training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, or social-emotional learning
● Experience with co-teaching models and inclusive practices
● Knowledge of assistive technology and universal design for learning (UDL)
● Prior experience working with Sonoma County Charter SELPA or similar SELPA