Special Education Lead Coordinator

0128 Blossom Rock Preparatory Academy; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Hearts Blossom Rock Academy in Apache Junction, AZ seeks an Exceptional Student Services Lead Coordinator (K-5) to oversee ESS caseloads, data reviews, and IEP processes.

You will lead the ESS team, coordinate meetings, mentor ESSCs, liaise with service providers, and ensure compliance with state timelines.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the special education process, including timelines and compliance
• Leadership, coaching, and mentoring experience
• High level of emotional intelligence and collaborative mindset
• Ability to coordinate with multiple teams and service providers
• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Familiarity with SIS, IEP writing software, MS Office, and Google tools

Responsibilities

• Oversee caseload distribution and final assignment decisions for ESSCs.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and execute annual IEP meetings and data reviews.
• Monitor implementation of IEPs by general education teachers.
• Manage relationships with related service providers and school psychologist.
• Review and sign invoices for HM approval; follow up on progress reports.
• Lead the ESS team and train ESSCs on pedagogy and responsibilities.
• Maintain and update SIS for eligibility changes and year-end rollover.

Skills

Special education knowledge

Leadership coaching

Emotional intelligence

Collaboration across teams

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

IEP writing tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Google tools

Job description

Position Title: Exceptional Student Services Lead Coordinator (K-5)

Location: Great Hearts Blossom Rock Academy (10075 S. Dutchman Dr., Apache Junction, AZ 85120)

Reports To: Headmaster

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Compensation Amount: starting at $55,360

Roles 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/Preferred

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.

US work authorization is required, but we do accept OPT/CPT candidates. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

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

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.

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