RSP Manager, Social Work chez Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

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

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Related Service Providers, the Related Service Provider Manager of 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 Related Service Provider Manager of Social Work supports school system goals and priorities as well as the missions of OSD. The Related Service Provider Manager of Social Work supports services and resources related to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The Related Service Provider Manager of Social Work 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, the Related Service Provider Manager of Social Work 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

Other Requirements:

•       Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, preferred
•       Familiarity with CPS district, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

•          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.