Special Education Lead Case Manager

City Year; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastery Schools in Philadelphia seeks a Lead Case Manager with direct Special Education classroom experience to oversee IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and driving student progress across settings.

You will mentor staff, coordinate services with psychologists, speech, occupational and physical therapists, and support data-driven interventions for students with disabilities. A strong emphasis on equity and success for all students guides daily work.

Qualifications

• Experience developing IEPs and 504 Plans.
• Experience conducting FBAs and PBSPs.
• Ability to mentor teachers and staff in specialized services implementation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure school-wide compliance with all state and federal laws governing special education and 504 plans.
• Develop, implement, and oversee IEPs and 504 Service Agreements that drive measurable student progress.
• Monitor student grades and progress data to ensure achievement for students with services.
• Conduct and oversee FBAs and develop PBSPs.
• Chair manifestation determination meetings and prepare required documentation.
• Lead the I&RS team to ensure effective student support interventions.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to students on self-regulation and organization.
• Collaborate to ensure accommodations are implemented in general settings.
• Serve as liaison to School Culture Team for behavior interventions.
• Manage relationships with related service providers and therapists.
• Provide training on compliance and best practices in intervention.
• Perform other duties to support operations and achievement.

Skills

Special education strategies

Data-driven decisions

Mentoring staff

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Special Education

Master’s degree preferred

Special Education Certification/License

Job description

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.

At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it’s the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students’ choices.

Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Please note: This position requires prior Special Education teaching experience. While we value experience in social work, counseling, case management, and related fields, candidates must have direct Special Education classroom teaching experience to be considered.

The Opportunity

The Lead Case Manager ensures that students receiving special education services and Section 504 accommodations achieve academic success. This role oversees IEP and 504 plan development, compliance with state and federal regulations, and student intervention programs. Additionally, the Lead Case Manager provides mentorship to students and guidance to staff to ensure the effective implementation of specialized services across all academic settings.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure school-wide compliance with all state and federal laws governing special education and 504 plans.
• Develop, implement, and oversee Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Service Agreements that drive measurable student progress.
• Monitor student grades, benchmark assessments, and progress tracking data to ensure academic achievement for students receiving specialized services.
• Conduct and oversee Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and develop Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).
• Chair manifestation determination meetings and prepare required documentation.
• Lead the Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) team, ensuring effective student support interventions.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to students on self-regulation, organization, and academic success strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure special education accommodations are implemented effectively in general education settings.
• Serve as a liaison to the School Culture Team, supporting behavior interventions for students receiving special education services.
• Manage relationships with related service providers (Psychologists, Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists) and therapeutic support staff.
• Provide training and support to school staff on compliance, special education policies, and intervention best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations and student achievement.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
• Expertise in special education regulations, compliance policies, and student support best practices (PA/NJ-specific).
• Experience developing IEPs, 504 Plans, FBAs, and PBSPs.
• Ability to mentor and guide teachers, administrators, and support staff on specialized services implementation.
• Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making and student progress monitoring.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students receive high-quality support services.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with special education students and collaborating with families, teachers, and external service providers to support student success.
• Certification as a Special Education Teacher, Supervisor of Special Education, or Principal’s Certification required.

Physical Requirements

This role may involve standing and sitting for extended periods, moving throughout the school building, observing classrooms, and participating in school events. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed.