Manager, District Representatives

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. A critical area within the Office is to provide financial and operational support to schools, networks, and central office departments, including but not limited to the allocation of special education resources to CPS schools so that every child is provided with the services outlined by a student's IEP.

Job Summary:

The Manager of District Representatives will support partnerships with network schools, charter/contract schools, non-public schools, and community partners to ensure their unique issues related to the provision of special education and related services in those schools are systematically addressed as well as support the engagement of families of students with disabilities. The Manager will oversee the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) District Representatives and Parent Involvement Specialists. District Representatives are assigned to support network schools, charter/contract schools, and non-public schools that are providing appropriate services to students placed in these separate school programs. Parent Involvement Specialists build parent engagement and community capacity and advocacy through workshops, training, and co-hosting community advisory meetings. The Manager will report to the Director of Procedures and Standards.

The Manager, District Representatives will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Facilitates high-level communication with charter schools, contract school administrators, network leadership, non-public schools, families and external partners regarding decision-making to ensure the needs of students with disabilities are addressed in the schools.
• Supervises District Representatives to ensure the respective schools they support are following special education policy as well as best practices.
• Supervises Parent Involvement Specialist to ensure ongoing engagement and involvement opportunities are provided to families of students with disabilities and community members.
• Evaluates school implementation of IEPs and provides feedback to charter/contract administration, network leadership, non-public school leadership, school building administrators and case managers through the District Representative on an ongoing basis.
• Builds the capacity of school-level personnel, District Representatives and Parent Involvement Specialists to effectively address issues related to services for students with disabilities including the resolution of parent concerns.
• Assists District Representatives in their comprehensive assessment of each school regarding the development of compliant IEPs on behalf of students with disabilities and applicable contractual performance metrics.
• Provides support regarding all other special education issues including, but not limited to, investigating and resolving complaints regarding educational services, compliance, and placements for students with disabilities.
• Monitors the effectiveness of network schools, charter, contract, and nonpublic schools' special education services; collect and use data to make decisions and target support.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on charter school accountability as it relates to the provision of special education services.
• Oversee the district's referral process for students made eligible to attend non-public schools.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager, District Representatives must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related field of study, required
• Master's degree strongly preferred
• Special Education teaching certificate (LBS1, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Visually Impaired, Early Childhood Special Education) and Professional Educator License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education with General Administrative Certificate (or out of state equivalent) required.
• Will consider candidates currently enrolled in Education Administration Masters or Doctoral programs, pursuing the General Administrative Certification.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching, case management, and/or clinician experience supporting special education required
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory and/or school leadership experience, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to quickly learn and effectively leverage CPS systems (E.g., eIEP, SSM)
• Knowledge of the Illinois School Code and special education regulations. Understanding of IDEA, ADA, and other laws supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively with school-based staff, citywide staff, and governmental and community-based agencies.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills with a focus on driving results.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills in order to meet continuous critical deadlines.
• Strong leadership, team building, and communication skills (speaking, writing, and listening).
• Ability to manage professionals, review work effectiveness, and develop colleagues' skills as needed.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office suite of tools. (e.g. Word, Excel).

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.