Job Description

The Private Placement Specialist is responsible for scheduling, facilitating, and chairing Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings for students with disabilities placed by an ACPS IEP team in a separate private placement. Develops IEPs, case manages and monitors student achievement, and the delivery of services for students with disabilities who are enrolled in private separate day and residential programs. Provides technical support to private school staff regarding Virginia IEP and facilitates training as needed regarding standards-based IEPs and other special education topics. Establishes processes for making placement location referrals, transition planning, and ongoing progress monitoring to identify the need for consideration of lesser restrictive environments. Manage reevaluation timeline and process for students in a private placement. Collaborates with the Alexandria Community Policy and Management Team (ACPMT) and Family Assistance and Planning Team (FAPT) to secure funding and required supports for students placed by the IEP team in private placements. Assists the ACPS Office of Accountability in ensuring participation in the Virginia State Assessment Program. This is a 12-month position within ACPS.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.

• Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education License with an endorsement in Special Education or eligibility to obtain one.

Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of continuum of services/placement options and information required for consideration of a change in placement.
• Knowledge of regional private placement options for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of local ACPMT and FAPT structures and supports.

Essential Functions

• Builds linkages and partnerships with interagency staff, public school staff, private special education day, and residential school staff. Must possess excellent organization,communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Identifies placement locations for students with educational disabilities who require a private day or residential placements.

• Collaborates with teachers, administrators, parents, and students in the identification of appropriate special education services.

• Schedules and facilitates Individualized Education Program and Reevaluation team meetings.

• Monitors student progress and performance in special education private day and residential facilities.

• Participates in interagency meetings to identify wrap-around services for students.

• Maintains accurate student records.

• Collaborates with other central office staff to transition students from the private placement to the public school environment.

• Plans, implements, and evaluates instructional and curricular programs to ensure quality education.

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local mandates to maintain compliance and provide students with a free appropriate public education.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP