RSP Manager, Social Work - Chicago Public Schools : Job Details

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) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Under the direction of the Director of Related Service Providers, the RSP Manager, Social Work will respond to principal and staff needs regarding related service provider assignments and evaluations, and will support schools through timely, effective and efficient problem-solving techniques. Through collaboration and advocacy, the RSP Manager supports school system, goals and priorities, as well as the missions of OSD. The RSP Manager supports services and resources related to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

This position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Implements the training of related service providers to enhance their effectiveness and efficiencies
• In collaboration with CPS Talent Office, actively recruits and participates in the hiring of related service providers
• Develops, approves, and monitors the assignments and schedules for related service providers
• Develops, collects, monitors, and analyzes data that contributes to increasing the academic achievement of all students
• Monitors and provides constant data reporting regarding respective budget classifications associated with the staffing and servicing of related service providers
• Works closely with the Director of Related Service Providers to optimize the well-being of students and ensure efficient resource allocation
• Works cooperatively with Networks, school, central office management, parents, and other stakeholders to continually improve the programs
• Assumes the responsibility for their own professional development and for keeping current with the literature, new research findings and improved delivery techniques in various areas by attending appropriate professional meetings, and by other means
• Conducts REACH evaluations for related service providers
• Other duties as assigned

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

Education Required: Master's degree from an accredited college or university, required. Doctorate degree, preferred. A valid Professional Education License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with a school support personnel endorsement, including School Social Worker, School Counselor, School Psychologist, School Nurse, and Speech-Language Pathologist, required. REACH certification or commitment to complete REACH certification within timeline specified by manager, required. Principal endorsement/valid State of Illinois General Administrative Certificate, preferred.

Experience Required: Minimum of five (5) years as a licensed teacher required. Minimum of two (2) years working as a related service provider (e.g., occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist) in a school or clinical setting, required. Leadership experience, including but not limited to supervising staff, leading projects, mentoring other staff members, or internship practicum supervision. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Familiarity with CPS district, preferred. Ability to establish excellent working relationships with key stakeholder groups (e.g., collective bargaining units, building administrators, directors, etc.). Innovative thinker and commitment to excellence. Track record of successful team leadership. High level of initiative and keen leadership skills, commitment to driving a high level of collaboration across CPS to improve overall OSD functions. A proactive approach to problem-solving; ability to quickly process complex information and present it clearly and simply to varied stakeholders (related services team, school personnel, central office, and families). Oral and written communication skills; strong presentation skills. Analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills with a focus on quality. Time management and organizational skills. Proficient in using Microsoft Office 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.