Change in Placement Coordinator

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is the State Education Agency (SEA) for the District of Columbia (DC) charged with raising the quality of education for all DC residents. This position is located in the Division of K12 Systems and Supports. Since October 1, 2008, it is a state requirement that OSSE participate in decision-making about placements of students into more restrictive environments (in particular, but not limited to, placements between District of Columbia Public Schools/Public Charter Schools and full-time special educational settings, nonpublic schools). The purpose of this requirement is to strengthen the continuum of services available in public schools and divert inappropriate placements into more restrictive settings. OSSE has a particular interest in expanding its sources of technical assistance to local education agencies (LEAs) through internal support and external nonprofit or national organizations. The Senior Change in Placement Coordinator, CS 13, is a member of the Placement Oversight team and is responsible for providing input and technical assistance to LEAs, including DCPS and charter schools, and on occasion to nonpublic schools providing special education services to children of the District of Columbia. Under State rules, the Change in Placement Coordinators are called upon by Individualized Education Program (IEP) Teams when a more restrictive environment is being considered for a student. The Coordinators conduct interviews with the student, family and educators and provide State level input to the team, with the goal of success for every student in the most integrated setting possible.

The Senior Change in Placement Coordinator will be assigned cases which will require specialized clinical knowledge and will be the Division’s primary representative on the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH’s) Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) Committee. In this capacity, the Senior Change in Placement Coordinator will present cases referred by IEP Teams to the Committee and will provide a clinical perspective on student needs. In addition, the Senior Change in Placement Coordinator will assist in developing recommendations in order to help treatment teams/ Child and Family Teams keep students in a lesser restrictive environment and/or transition students into a lesser restrictive environment, based on student progress and as swiftly as appropriately feasible.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides training and technical assistance to Local Education Agencies (LEA) and schools to on the policies and procedures for changes in placement, and related topics. Provides case management to LEAs that submit change in placement requests to the OSSE by: Conducting on-site observations of the child to gather information to determine placement needs; Obtaining information from the school, LEA, parent and/or other sources about the child's unique needs; Attending placement meetings.

Considers, with the IEP Team, the supports or strategies that would be necessary or helpful to prevent the need for placement into a less integrated environment, and/or working with the LEA in planning for transition of children back to a more integrated environment. Supports the IEP team in positive, strengths-based planning for each child, at all times. Collaborates closely with Division of Teaching and Learning to identify systems needs for further trainings with LEA and school staff; with sister agencies of the DC government (including the Department of Behavioral Health and Child and Family Services Agency); with health insurers (when placement in residential treatment is carried out); and with outside sources of technical assistance.

Qualifications and Education

Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position.

or

Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study.

Experience with IDEA requirements as well as District laws & regulations affecting individuals with disabilities is preferred. Extensive expertise in clinical casework serving students which includes being able to provide clinical perspective on students’ needs and assist in developing recommendations in order to help treatment teams keep students in a lesser restrictive environment and/or transition students into a lesser restrictive environment as swiftly as highly desired. Knowledge of individual schools in the District of Columbia is advantageous but not required.

Successful completion of a four-year course of study leading to a Bachelor’s degree or higher which involved major study and experience in the field of education, and preferably also in the field of special education, social work, psychology is highly desired.

Licenses and Certifications

None.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is usually performed in an offices meeting rooms, schools, or similar setting. The normal everyday risks and discomforts of auto, bus, rail, and air transportation.

Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty: Varies

Duration of Appointment: This is an Education Service (ES), “At-Will” Appointment.

Promotion Potential: No known promotional potential

Plan, Series, Grade: CS-1701-12

This is a grant funded position. Continued employment will be contingent upon available funding.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collecting bargaining agreement.

Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Protection Sensitive.

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other legally-protected status within the limits imposed by applicable District and federal laws and regulations.