Related Service Providers Director at Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 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) supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, policies, and procedures. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success.

Job Summary:

The Related Service Providers (RSP) Director will support the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) under the direction of the Executive Director of OSD Service Operations. The RSP Director is responsible for the delivery of health and related services to all students, in accordance with Chicago Public Schools’ policies and state and federal regulations. This includes day-to-day oversight of and coordination across approximately 1,300 citywide clinicians (e.g. psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, and audiologists) to ensure appropriate delivery of related health services for all students with disabilities, as mandated within each student’s Individualized Education Program or Section 504 of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The clinicians are organized across 16 clinician managers who report to the Directors of Related Service Providers. Additionally, this position must support OSD Business Services efforts to monitor clinician service delivery compliance.

The RSP Director will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Establish a clear vision for the success of this role that is aligned to departmental and district goals

• Develop and execute a strategy to achieve the goals as identified by OSD leadership and manage the team’s continuous improvement processes

• Lead, develop, and manage the performance of a team of RSPs and supervisors to ensure effective and efficient delivery of health services to all students as appropriate

• Engage in research and evaluation of school-based clinical services to act as a change agent for school-based health services

• Provide consultation regarding the formation of health policies, goals, and objectives for the district

• Ensure student compliance with state health mandates including, but not limited to, immunizations, physicals, and vision & hearing screenings

• Support schools on effective methods of service implementation and the evaluation of those services

• Leverage clinical staff to support citywide health-related efforts as needed

• Develop, implement, and monitor the allocation of clinical resources to all schools

• Support dissemination of health-related programs and services to clinical staff and schools (e.g., PBIS, MTSS)

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure the provision of high-quality professional development for clinical staff that is aligned with the overall strategy and best practices

• Collaborate with partners to support recruitment strategies to secure high-quality related service candidates

• Support relationships with external staffing agencies to ensure high-quality and cost-effective clinical service provision

• Support the planning and implementation of programs that require clinical and related services including, but not limited to, Extended School Year and Summer Assessment

• Collaborate with schools and internal stakeholders to address parent concerns regarding special education and related service delivery

• Other duties and work streams as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the RSP Director must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, public administration, or health-related program, required
• Valid teaching certificate/Professional Educator’s License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with School Service Personnel, Principal, or LBS1 endorsement, required. (Candidates with a valid out-of-state, reciprocal license will be considered but must obtain ISBE licensure within 6 months of hire.)

Experience Required:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in district leadership supporting students with disabilities, required

• Minimum of five (5) years of instructional experience or experience as a related service provider, required

• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience required; Experience overseeing a large number of clinical staff, preferred

• Experience in an urban school district or other public health setting, preferred

Other Requirements:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish), preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of CPS’ e-IEP and ability to navigate, with precision, the SSM system

• Knowledge of the Illinois School Code and special education regulations.

• Understanding of IDEA, ADA and other laws supporting individuals with disabilities

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute efforts across multiple, regionally dispersed units

• Ability to work effectively with school-based staff, citywide staff, and governmental and community-based agencies

• Analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills with a focus on driving results

• Time management and organizational skills to meet continuous critical deadlines

• Strong leadership, team building, and communication skills (speaking, writing, and listening)

• Ability to lead professionals, review work effectiveness, and develop colleagues’ skills

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office and G Suite tools

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.