Job Description Who We Are: Options for Youth is a network of free public charter schools offering students a flexible, personalized approach to learning. OFY saw the potential that struggling students couldn't see in themselves. When California's Charter School Law passed in 1993, Options For Youth became the first sanctioned charter school in California. For almost 30 years, OFY has helped more than 135,000 students find their passion and pursue their dreams. OFY believes in fostering the student's vision; inspiring students inspires us. We believe the student-teacher relationship is critical to developing a young person's social, emotional, and academic well-being. If you believe this too, then you might be the educator that we're looking for.
Job Description: The prime directive of this position is Special Education compliance and to accomplish the goals of the charter schools' Leadership Teams. This position manages the actions of the charter school's Special Ed department and works to ensure all area's compliance with Special Education. This position will be located at the corporate office and will provide support to both field and corporate staff. Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:*
- Liaison between charter schools' leadership and the SELPA's.
- Supervision of SES Leads and oversight/consult with SPED field staff.
- Write SELPA applications and attend SELPA orientation meetings.
- Consult with charter development in writing special education sections for charter applications.
- Addressing parent special education complaints.
- Signing and approving SELPA paperwork, including submitting annual CDE paperwork.
- Review of IEP's for compliance as needed to support LEAD SES teachers and monitor compliance.
- Attend due process mediations and hearings.
- Work with the executive team to provide input from a special education perspective.
- Keep current with new special education laws and requirements from CDE.
- Consult with legal as needed for high profile cases.
- Work closely with PSE and PREP Directors to ensure overall compliance of special education programs and staff.
- Plan, organize and direct special education programs.
- Provide interpretation of the law and Educational Code.
- Direct Special Ed programs or projects and perform related duties as assigned.
- Train and assist staff (e.g. resource specialist, designated instruction and service providers) in planning and implementation of individual education programs for children with disabilities as needed.
- Coordinate curricular resources and make them available and effective for personnel who are in need of the resources.
- Assess program effectiveness to promote the program development in areas assigned.
- Serve on assessment teams and individualized education program teams as needed.
- Schedule and participate in IEP meetings with students and parents as needed.
- Review psycho-educational reports.
- Provide training to general education staff related to support to general education students and special education needs.
- Maintain current knowledge on journal articles and case law to share with staff.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
- Effectively transmit knowledge and skills to others.
- Plan, develop and conduct meetings and training programs.
- Develop measurable goals and objectives, set priorities, monitor expenditures.
- Ability to drive to multiple locations in a day.
- Maintain positive working relationships with corporate staff, teachers, parents, students and others.
- Make presentations to various audiences.
- Deal with challenges inherent in working with multiple school districts.
- Significant physical abilities include reaching, handling, talking, hearing conversations and other sounds, visual acuity/depth perception.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
- Five years of successful Special Education experience preferred.
- Master's Degree with emphasis on Specialized Training in Special Education curriculum and instruction preferred.
Education and Experience:
- Valid Special Education Credential or
- Valid California Pupil Personnel Credential.
*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They describe the general nature and level of work being performed and/or represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The Company retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
Location: This position will support OFY- Duarte, OFY-Acton, OFY-Victor Valley, OFY-San Bernardino, OFY- San Juan and additional charter schools.
Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000
Application Process: For consideration when you apply via Workday, please upload a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.