Special Education Referral/504 Specialist (systemwide) Position Available In Cullman, Alabama

Special Education Referral/504 Specialist (systemwide) 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 402 Arnold Street NE, Cullman, AL 35056

Title:

Special Education Referral/504 Specialist (10 Month)

Supervisor:

Special Education Coordinator Start Date:

7/18/2025 or

TBD Salary:

CCBOE Salary Schedule FLSA Status:

Exempt Job Goals:

To implement effective programs and services to involve parents, community members, and appropriate support service agencies in the education of students with special needs. To promote the most effective use of human and fiscal resources to achieve the goals and accomplish the mission of the school system.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in special education and/or general education in a core content area from an accredited college or university. Valid Alabama teaching certificate in special education and/or general education in a core content area. Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom experience. Ability to meet suitability criteria for employment and/or certification/licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act No. 2002-457. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Proficiency in oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of the RTI process. Knowledge of special education law and procedures. Knowledge of 504 law and procedures. Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups, for the purpose of maximizing student achievement. Ability to plan and provide relevant professional development to administrators and staff regarding special education and 504 issues. Ability to identify and solve problems as a productive team member. Ability to use technology to communicate, to plan and provide instruction, to facilitate student learning, to manage data, and to produce/submit required reports, correspondence, and/or financial information. Physical strength, mobility, dexterity, stamina, and acuity to perform job responsibilities. Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals and priorities. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of child development. Provides leadership in developing, understanding, and promoting the mission and vision of the school system and the special education services department. Keeps informed of the latest laws, research, trends, and innovations in education for special education students with designated exceptionalities/disabilities/special needs and disseminates this information to teachers, principals, other stakeholders, and colleagues. Regularly reviews federal and state regulations and other information applicable to the program area(s); correctly ascertains changes and possible trends impacting program area(s), support services, and related services for special education and 504 students. Correctly evaluates program needs using all available information such as program statistics or other data and input from program staff and others. Directs the adherence to policy and procedure manuals that conform to and adequately communicate applicable regulations. Interprets and directs the implementation of the Alabama Administrative Code Special Education Services, Mastering the Maze, and other state/federal/local documents related to special education. This includes providing professional development training to other district employees as needed. Monitors and oversees the Special Education Referral Process and/or the 504 Process systemwide to verify compliance with state guidelines and make any needed corrections. Schedules and attend referral meetings on individual students in the district. Attend 504 meetings when requested. Assist in the development of 504 plans when needed. Requests, maintains, and reviews records for incoming and outgoing transfer students as needed for referrals and/or 504s. Works cooperatively with Psychometrist in maintaining timelines. Conferences with resources specialists, supervisors, school administrators, teachers, parents/guardians. Provides reports from PowerSchool Special Programs as requested by the Special Education Coordinator. Collects and maintains information in PowerSchool Special Programs and on paper for the Special Education Referral and/or 504 process. Serves as the LEA representative at referral, eligibility, and/or IEP meetings systemwide as needed/required. Maintains current and valid copies of all special education and 504 forms. Works cooperatively with other Special Education staff on all aspects of the Cullman County Schools Special Education Department. Observes students when requested/needed by the local school administrator. Provides appropriate advice on application and interpretation of laws, policies, procedures, etc., based on up-to-date and accurate information. Monitors progress of program implementation, evaluates results, and recommends changes and improvements. Devises appropriate, efficient reporting mechanisms that will provide the necessary information to evaluate program progress. Accurately evaluates reported information for indicators of progress toward identified goals and objectives. Documents progress and decisions of the group and submits reports to appropriate staff. Correctly identifies staff training needs by evaluating applicable program data and information from other sources. Effectively presents in a clear and concise manner training sessions that meet identified needs. Regularly attends internal and external educational programs and professional meetings as needed. Oversees process for mandated school system, State Department of Education, and IDEA timeline compliance. Examines special education or related school system documents, communications, and publications for accuracy/inaccuracy. Enters relevant information in Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) software/database programs and monitors/supervises the special education data input by school staff and other designated personnel. Collaborates with school system testing staff, special education department staff, and State Department of Education officials to implement, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of assessment programs for special education and 504 students. Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems and/or opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility. Reports potential problems, unusual events, or work irregularities to appropriate administrative or supervisory personnel. Responds to inquiries, requests, constructive feedback, concerns and/or complaints in a timely and positive manner. Uses effective collaboration skills to work as an effective team member. Serves on school system committees, tasks forces, and representative groups as required. Engages in personal professional growth, adheres to professional standards, and demonstrates professional ethics, sound judgment and leadership. Maintains confidentiality regarding student/school/workplace matters in accordance with state and federal law. Demonstrates initiative in identifying opportunities for improvement in areas of responsibility. Maintains and submits required reports, records, and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner. Properly cares for equipment and material resources of the school system and effectively supervises and monitors others in the care, maintenance, and use of tools, equipment, and inventory. Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies and state, federal and local laws. Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures. Performs any other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor(s).

Terms of Employment/Salary:

As established by the Board and applicable state law.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE) is an equal opportunity employer. Personnel actions and decisions will be made without regard to factors or considerations prohibited by federal or state law, including but not limited to race, gender, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, and religious preference. Complaints or inquiries regarding compliance with state and federal equal opportunity employment laws should be directed to the Human Resources Director at (256) 734-2933 or to Cullman County Board of Education, 402 Arnold Street, N.E., Cullman, AL 35055. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. This job description is not a contract and is not intended to be a contract. The Cullman County Board of Education reserves the right to amend the job description as needed.