Applications are being accepted for this 10 month part-time position.  Individual will be scheduled approximately 21 hours per week.  Some benefits are included.  Limited summer work will be expected.

Summary

Provides information and support for school staff and parents of students with disabilities in understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The Family Support Services Parent Coordinator assists parents to fully participate in planning early intervention and special education services for their children by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: Other duties may be assigned by the Supervisor of Special Education.

• Provides information and support for school staff and parents of students with disabilities in understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Assists parents in fully participating in planning early intervention and special education services for their children.
• Coordinates Family Support Network for families of children Birth to age 21.
• Uses social media to promote communication with community and stakeholders.
• Support families during transition from the local Infants & Toddlers Program to the local school system.
• Organizes training for parents and school staff in collaboration with the special education department.
• Serve as Chair of the Special Education Citizens Advisory Council (SECAC)
• Serve on the Local interagency Coordinating Council (LICC)
• Serve on the Somerset Early Learning Advisory Council (SELAC)
• Provides resources and lending library materials.
• Helps foster connections among families.
• Provides a link to promote positive communications between the school, family, and community.
• Supports families in planning for transitions.
• Assists parents in resolving concerns with local school programs and provides information about the formal process for resolving disputes.
• Attend MSDE sponsored meetings as well as other meetings that will help to keep parents informed of best practices and current trends in special education. Disseminates information to appropriate parties.
• Maintains records including documenting all events, activities and phone contacts.
• Prepares regular written reports to the Special Ed Department and to the Maryland State Department of Education.

III.       Qualifications

            To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Must hold at least a High School Diploma. Must be a parent of a child with a disability that is 21 years old or younger.  Previous experience working with families in a school setting is preferred. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Driver’s License.

Language Skills

Possess excellent oral and written language skills.

Mathematical Skills

Basic skills for preparation and monitoring of budgetary reports.

 Computer Skills

Basic skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

Other Skills/Abilities

       Must be a self-starter who takes initiative and works well independently and collaboratively with others.

       Demonstrated ability to relate effectively with people of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds is essential. 

       Must be available to work a flexible schedule when asked including evenings, weekend and summer hours.

 Physical Demands

            The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

            While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

            The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

            While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.