Job Abstract

Performs the full range of specialized professional duties related to outreach, training, and support for Chesterfield County Public Schools’ families of children with disabilities. The Parent Liaison serves as an independent, unbiased, and neutral resource to parents and guardians of students with disabilities in non-legal special education matters. This position is knowledgeable of fair process and works independent of the formal Virginia Department Of Education (VDOE) dispute resolution processes of mediation, state complaints, and due process hearings. The position provides informal assistance to resolve special education concerns, problems, and complaints and promotes parent-school communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. The Parent Liaison fosters positive working relationships among relevant stakeholders and acts as a liaison between families of children with disabilities and the school division.

• Acts as a neutral resource for families and the school community who communicate and inquire about special education-related concerns.

• Provides information, resources, and assistance to families regarding Preschool to post secondary special education programs and special education regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Identifies, communicates, and collaborates with the appropriate department or staff member to support resolution of the concern or issue.

• Promotes positive working relationships between families and the school community while maintaining neutrality.

• Assists families to effectively support the special education needs of their children.

• Researches and identifies best practices to proactively address and resolve potential conflict

situations regarding Individual Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Plans.

• Tracks, records, compiles, and analyzes data and develops reports of findings to share with appropriate departments.

• Assists with providing informal mediation and facilitation to resolve conflicts between families

and school personnel.

• Develops and maintains key external community partnerships to further develop information and referral resources for families.

• Serves as a source of information and referral regarding state and federal laws and regulations governing special education.

• Assists parents in developing strategies and informal options to address issues and concerns.

• Promotes collaboration and positive communication between parents and school division personnel in addressing special education issues and conflict resolution that promotes equitable outcomes.

• Informs families of their rights included in the Virginia Special Education Procedural Safeguards

• Serve as a resource for disability-related information and referrals to available programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

• Identify, track, monitor, and report to the special education leadership on suspected patterns of concerns that emerge from constituent contacts regarding special education services in CCPS schools.

• Provide information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate special education processes.

• Work neutrally and objectively with families and school staff to ensure a fair process is followed.

• Serve as a resource for disability-related information and referrals to other available programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including, but not limited to, early intervention and adult services.

• Serves as a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).

• Supports the continued development of the school division’s special education web page and provides training to families.

• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

N/A

Prepares semi-annual and annual reports related to the number and nature of services provided to families and community members to the Division of Constituent Services and the Department of Special Education to support program improvement.

Use of computer and presentation technology, general office equipment and other specific equipment related to assigned areas.

Frequent contact with all levels of CCPS staff, parents, community members, and various outside agencies.

N/A

High level of independent decision-making is required.

N/A

The physical demands described here represent 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. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to use a telephone; to enter data into a computer terminal; hear, understand speech and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly at normal levels indoors and on the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include depth perception, distance vision and close vision to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids. Physical agility to drive, bend, stoop, sit, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead. May be required to lift materials up to 25 pounds.

The employee regularly works in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

• Considerable knowledge, background, and skill in the interpretation and application of the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Students with Disabilities in Virginia (state regulations) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Virginia Special Education Procedural Safeguards

• Considerable experience and skills in highly effective listening, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving

• Demonstrated ability in decision-making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, and handling sensitive/ confidential information

• Ability to interpret and explain regulations, policies, and procedures to individuals and multiple stakeholders to gain compliance, cooperation, and understanding

• Strong knowledge and application of special education, and 504 policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of parent training and involvement activities, local school division and VDOE functions, and policies and procedures related to special education

• Knowledge of internal school division staff contacts and/or external contacts and resources for students and families

• Ability to provide guidance to culturally diverse families and staff.

• Bilingual, namely Spanish-speaking, is preferred.

• Mediation training or certification

• Training in the Facilitated IEP Meeting process

Must hold a valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement in Special Education and a Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement in Administration and Leadership. A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience and three years of demonstrated successful special education leadership is required. School-based leadership will be considered with extensive special education experience and knowledge. Position requires strong and effective written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in the use of technology to support job functions, including, but not limited to, the use of Google, Microsoft Office and Web Applications for data compilation, analysis, and reporting; and significant experience and skill with presentations.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual, namely Spanish-speaking.

• Mediation training or certification.

• Training in the Facilitated IEP Meeting process.

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation

• State Police Criminal History Investigation

• Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation

• Tuberculosis Screening/Test

Chesterfield County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities for employees as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, the administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position and does not imply an employment contract.