ESS Lead

0702 Great Hearts Lake Charles; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Hearts Lake Charles is seeking an Academy ESS Lead to supervise the ESS department, coordinate IEP processes, and guide teachers, in residence, and ESSAs. The role sits on campus and reports to the Academy ESS Lead, with duties spanning data reviews, meeting facilitation, invoices, and provider coordination.

The position emphasizes leadership, compliance with IEP timelines, and collaboration across teams to support students with special education needs within a classical liberal arts

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the special education process and compliance.
• Leadership, coaching, and mentoring experience.
• High emotional intelligence and collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversees caseload distribution and final student assignments.
• Coordinates and conducts initial and triennial data reviews and IEP meetings.
• Maintains relationships with related service providers and school psychologists.
• Reviews IEPs and progress reports for accuracy.
• Guides ESSCs in pedagogy and collaboration with general education teachers.
• Leads ESS team to year-end responsibilities and rollover planning.

Skills

Leadership

Emotional intelligence

Collaboration

Conflict resolution

Communication

Special ed process

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Position Title

Academy ESS Lead

Department

ESS - General

Location

Academy

Reports To

Academy ESS Lead

EEO Classification

Professional

FLSA Status

Exempt, Full-Time

Compensation Type

Salaried

Summary

The Academy ESS Lead is a leadership role on campus and is the "Team Lead” of the ESS department. While their supervisory role does not replace the supervision from the headmaster, their role does extend leadership in the specific areas where they have experience and expertise, namely: supporting ESSCs in the preparation for and execution of IEP meetings, guiding the development of ESS teachers, teacher in residence and ESSAs, compliance in terms of IEP paperwork, and the first level of advisement in challenging situations with students or parents. They also represent the final decision at the ESS departmental level in terms of organizational logistics and strategy. First and foremost, the Academy ESS Lead must model the core virtues of the academy and pursue a deeper understanding of what it means to provide a classical, liberal arts education. They also lead the ESS team's pursuit towards our north star: in our daily work with people, we earn and maintain faith and confidence in our good will, judgment, knowledge, and skill.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the caseload distribution discussions, including final decision regarding assignment of students to the individual ESSCs' caseloads
• Ensures transfer procedure on all incoming students is complete
• Coordinates, facilitates, and executes initial and triennial Review of Existing Data and Review of Additional Data meetings, including: Conducting classroom observations, Gathering data on students referred by student study team (SST), Facilitating transition of parent relationships to assigned ESSCs from initial evaluation to IEP development in the event that students qualify for special education services
• Coordinates, facilitates, and executes annual IEP meetings for students on their caseload
• Observes the general education teachers' consistent implementation of student IEPs on their caseload
• Manages related service provider relationships for students on their caseload: Provides orientation to each service provider to our educational philosophy, school model, campus layout, etc.; Coordinates with related service providers and school psychologist regarding evaluations, meetings, and services
• Reviews, codes, and signs invoices, then submits them for HM approval
• Follows up with service providers to generate IEP progress reports
• Serves as the academy lead of the ESS team, providing support to team members for the effective completion of individual and shared responsibilities
• Assists the Phoenix Home Office in training the ESSCs on the pedagogy of special education work within Great Hearts
• Partners with the headmaster to communicate the specifics of the ESS Lead and ESSC roles to the community before the start of the year and revisit as necessary
• Attends initial IEP meetings led by ESSCs to guide the relational hand-off from ESS Lead to ESSC and provide feedback to ESSCs on their execution
• Reviews IEPs and Evaluation reports written by the ESSCs for accuracy (1 file per semester)
• Models and provides guidance to ESSCs on partnering with general education teachers
• Partners with the headmaster to provide written and oral evaluations to the ESSCs
• Updates program information in the school information system (SIS) for students receiving special education as students enter, change eligibility categories or exit
• Leads the ESS team to complete all EOY responsibilities to prepare for the proper rollover to the next year

Required/Preferred Education

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred

Required/Preferred Experience

Minimum 3 years experience as a special education coordinator Experience as special education (ESS) coordinator in Great Hearts school preferred Experience with special education evaluation process preferred

Certification

Valid Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate (AZ Mild to Moderate or K-12 Cross-Categorical) required

Required/Preferred Skills

• Extensive knowledge of special education process, including state and federal timelines and compliance requirements
• Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skill/experience
• High level of emotional intelligence
• Humility and skill with collaboration between multiple teams
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Strong verbal and written communication skill
• Experience and speed with multiple platforms and computer programs (Student Information Systems, IEP writing programs, MS Office Suite, Google)

Physical Functions

Requires but is not limited to standing, sitting, repetitious hand and body movements, bending, squatting, and reaching. May be required to move or position equipment up to 15 pounds approximately.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

About Great Hearts Academies

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our purpose is to cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Great Hearts Academies leads the way in classical, liberal arts education. We are a growing network of charter schools and private Christian schools, expanding in existing and new regions across Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Whether you are seeking teaching, leadership, or campus support opportunities, we have established a mission-driven culture and emphasis on learning and growing, professionally and personally. At Great Hearts, we provide a calling to shape the future through an education that fosters human flourishing and academic excellence. We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds—inside and outside education—who bring unique perspectives and ideas to enrich our community. Through meaningful conversations and collaboration, we foster a strong, supportive cohort of educators. At Great Hearts, your passion and expertise will thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment. Learn how you can grow both in mind and heart as an employee of Great Hearts.

Contact

If you need support with the Careers website, application or the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail].