Job Summary:

The Chicago Public Schools is responsible for completing assessment planning, evaluations, eligibility determinations and Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for the district's non-attending students in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes students who are transitioning from Early Intervention to Early Childhood (EI to EC), attending Head Start or CBOs (Community Based Organizations), students who are referred by the OSD Child Find Screening Team, Referrals also include students who are parentally placed in private/parochial schools, or are homeschooled within the city of Chicago.

Reporting to the Director of Citywide Assessment & Assignment, the Citywide Assessment Team (CAT) Manager will ensure that evaluation referrals made to CPS by all non-attending students are scheduled and completed in a timely manner. This includes monitoring compliance with federal regulations and state performance plan indicators. The CAT Manager will be the central point of communication for community-based staff, private school affiliates, staff, and parents. This role will also manage several direct reports and supervise workstreams for multiple teams.

The Citywide Assessment Team Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Supervise, develop, and manage the performance of the Citywide Assessment Teams, including but not limited to hiring, staffing, scheduling, training, and RISE/REACH evaluations
• Implement all procedures established by OSD for student evaluations in accordance with state and federal mandated timelines and policies
• Ensures the completion of quality evaluations of all non-attending students in the city of Chicago, including serving as a Liaison between CATS, OSD and other CPS partners, multi-site operations and logistics, planning and implementation of additional assessment days (E.g., Saturday and Summer), stakeholder communications, and database management.
• Manage registration of non-attending students in ASPEN, including scanning/uploading documents and creating referrals in SSM.
• Oversee day-to-day Child Find Screening Team operations to meet obligations regarding Early Childhood referrals for SPED evaluations, including by not limited to supervision of scheduling appointments and organization of assignment/rotation of multiple teams to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the evaluation process
• Advise and train stakeholders on all aspects of the evaluation process and adhering to IDEA
• Support the review and finalization of IEPs for students found eligible in accordance with IDEA and district policies, serving as authorized representative for the District at IEP team meetings as needed, and reviewing data to engage in strategic discussions and follow-up activities.
• Ensure that all students are receiving Free Appropriate Public Education (F.A.P.E.)
• Manage, monitor, and contribute to the budget and planning initiatives related to day-to-day operational and long-term goals.
• Other duties and work streams as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Citywide Assessment Team Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Master's degree from an accredited university, required; Focus in Education and/or Education-related field, preferred
• Valid teaching certificate/Professional Educator's License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), required
• Principal/Administrator endorsement (Type 75), preferred
• REACH certification or completion of REACH certification within 4 months of hire, required

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a school or educational setting as a Related Service Provider, Case Manager or Special Education Teacher, including the following is required
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing training to parents, advocates and employees/staff
• Professional work experience within CPS, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in and the ability to explain and advise on all aspects of the evaluation process and adherence to IDEA
• Knowledge of federal and state requirements regarding the provision of special education and related services, including timelines and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate and be a creative problem solver and team player.
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task between assessments / meetings and respond to requests based upon priority and complexity.
• Ability to have shared ownership of work and expected outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, team members, students, parents and advocates.
• Must be a motivated, energetic, critical-thinker and problem-solver who is highly organized.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively to maintain communication with team members, families, vendors and both internal and external partners.
• Ability to promote and encourage parental involvement and participation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, Google Docs and Excel
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with multiple stakeholders.
• Additional duties, as determined appropriate by the Chief Officer and his/her designee.
• Expert knowledge of state and federal requirements regarding the provision of special education and related services, including timelines and procedures.

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.