ARD Facilitator/Transition Specialist (CoOp)

POSITION TITLE: ARD Facilitator/Transition Specialist for Special Education CoOp

JOB SUMMARY: 

ARD Facilitator (Admission, Review and Dismissal) is responsible for scheduling, preparing for, and chairing special education meetings, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations (IDEA/Texas Law).  Facilitate collaboration between parents, teachers and administration to develop individualized educational programs (IEPs) and maintain accurate, timely documentation.  

Transition Specialist - prepares students with disabilities (typically starting  at age 14-16) for life after high school focusing on post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.  They create Individualized Transition Plans (ITP), coordinate community-based vocational training and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedules, or assists in scheduling, Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and notifies parents of the ARD meeting, including distribution of ARD calendar to appropriate ARD Committee members in a timely fashion; notifies all appropriate school personnel of ARD meetings/ARD schedule changes.
• Ensures that federal/state timelines are met with respect to functions of ARD Committee meetings; requests for additional assessments and required timelines set by ARD Committee.
• Monitors ARD paperwork completed by campus personnel; completes and turns in ARD paperwork to official audit file; turns in PEIMS information to campus registrar.
• Completes lists, forms, reports, PEIMS forms, and data required by the Special Education Office by due dates (e.g., transportation forms, EYS forms, October counts, etc).
• Maintains current state assessment test lists; referral lists, and referrals for related services evaluation; maintains communication among assessment, service providers, and related services personnel.
• Provides for systematic communication among special and general education personnel (with respect to ARD meetings and decisions, IEPs, accommodations needed in the general education setting, relevant instructional concerns and progress).
• Follows end of year procedures for folder exchanges, summer testing, etc.
• Assists campus administrator(s) to ensure compliance with mandates for due process guaranteed to students with disabilities by state/federal law; ensures compliance with local policies and procedures outlined for this population.
• Maintains thorough documentation regarding any significant problems with ARD Committee procedures; attends Special Education Department staff meetings; attends relevant professional development.
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION: 2-3+ years teaching experience, including experience teaching disabled and other students with diverse learning needs; Experience with Frontline Student Management Program, or other computer based documentation system preferred.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT: Work is substantially complex, varied, and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS: Collaborate and solve problems - works with others to resolve problems, clarify or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS: Follows through with customer (educational staff & parents) inquiries, requests and complaints. Forwards difficult and non-routine inquiries or requests to appropriate level for resolution.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.