SUMMARY

The Diocesan Learning Specialist Coordinator assists, supports, and serves as a resource for the Diocesan Catholic schools through the implementation of programs and pursuit of best practices for exceptional learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral needs, as well as other learning differences.  Additionally, the Learning Specialist Coordinator will collaborate with Hand in Hand leadership to provide exemplary support for learners enrolled in the Hand In Hand Options (HIHO).  This position reports to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Supports the principals, teachers, learning specialists and school counselors of all sixteen schools by providing evidence-based professional development opportunities, training, resources, materials, etc., as needed.
• Coordinate four group meetings/year for all learning specialists and counselors to educate on specific topics, processes and procedures, and other needs as determined by professionals.
• Serve as a resource for parents, pastors, and principals seeking support and guidance regarding students with learning differences.
• Provide support to school personnel to interpret psychoeducational evaluations, to develop, implement and evaluate Student Support Plans.
• Monitors local, state, and federal activity, programs and funding opportunities to leverage support for exceptional learners - both financial and intervention supports (IEA, Special Education resources in different counties, grants, etc.). Knowledge of state programs to leverage benefits and services for educators and students.
• Strengthens partnerships with universities to enhance services provided to students (Vanderbilt, TSU, MTSU, UTK, Aquinas, etc.)
• Ensures compliance with program standards and policies and procedures through yearly scheduled school visits- in addition to other visits that occur as needed throughout the school year.
• Hosts a learning specialist and school counselor professional development symposium each school year.
• Collaborates and communicates with elementary/middle school and high school staff for 8th grade graduates’ placement and service planning.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Special Education, School Psychology, or related field.
• At least five years of successful experience in a supervisory position, preferably in special education.

OTHER SKILLS

• Experience working with a diverse population: students having intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral and emotional needs, as well as those having dyslexia, dyscalculia, language deficits, ADHD, etc. to help them reach their full potential.
• Documented evidence of providing professional development to all school staff, especially learning specialists, school counselors, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of inclusive education best practices.
• Expertise reviewing, understanding, and implementing recommendations using psychoeducational, speech and language, occupational therapy, social emotional and other related assessments.
• Extensive experience with student support plan development, progress monitoring, goal writing.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; high level of attention to detail.
• Computer proficiency, able to navigate Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to collaborate with other professionals - internally and externally.