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 of Innovation and Incubation (I&I) provides incubation, management, and oversight of charter, contract, and alternative schools as options for CPS students and families. I&I also leads the district's Academic RFP process, which provides school communities across the city with access to highly demanded programs. I&I oversee approximately 90 Charter and Contract Schools which together educate nearly 55,000 students. Job Summary: Reporting directly to the Manager, School Quality Support, the School Quality Specialist - Special Education will be responsible for providing oversight and guidance to Charter and Contract schools by monitoring the implementation of procedures and IEP-required services, and adherence to best practice standards and protocols. This is full-time exempt position that is paid for hours worked on a salary basis. This Job Will be held accountable for the following responsibilities: * Lead multi-year strategy to significantly improve Special Education programming across the portfolio of Innovation & Incubation schools * Facilitate and support charter and contract school principals' development of their Continuous Improvement Work Plan, including providing resources and creating strategies to aid their populations * Define high-quality instruction for students with disabilities through the implementation of differentiated support within the classroom * Ensure the implementation of SPED contractual conditions assessed by school operator partners through the school Renewal process * Consistently maintain quality interactions with teachers, students, parents, and the larger community. * Collaborate with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) on major special education service issues that ensure all students are receiving Free Appropriate Public Education (F.A.P.E.) * Collaborate with the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) to create professional learning content and support best practices for instruction * Collaborate with the Office of Multicultural and Multilingual Education (OMME) to support compliance and best practice sharing for students with disabilities * Have knowledge of intervention and assessment strategies for disabled and non-disabled students * Maintain and protect the rights and confidentiality of others. * Define high-quality practices that support differentiated supports for students with disabilities * Provide support to Charter and Contract school populations of students with disabilities by monitoring the implementation of procedures and IEP-required services and adherence to best practice standards and protocols. * Serve as the lead liaison and provide project management support of Special Education Charter Renewal School Visits * Be part of the team to review data, engage in strategic discussions and follow-up activities; and participate in school walk-throughs, as needed * Other duties as assigned Education Required: * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education or a related field of study, is required * Master's degree preferred * Employee must have a LBS1 endorsement through ISBE and registered with the City of Chicago Experience Required: * Minimum of three (3) years of experience in an educational experience * Special education experience Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * In-depth expertise in special education curriculum and service provision. * Knowledge of general education curriculum. * Demonstrated understanding of the individual needs of students with disabilities from various language and cultural backgrounds. * Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding the delivery of special education and related services. * Knowledge of intervention and assessment strategies for disabled and non-disabled students * Knowledge of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS or RTI) * Knowledge and understanding of Special Education resources. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, associates, students, parents, governmental and community agencies, and employers. * Ability to problem-solve, work on a team, use data to guide work, and clearly communicate to multiple stakeholders. * Demonstrated expertise in customer service, consensus building, and use of problem-solving skills and strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. * Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. * Continuous improvement knowledge and best practices related to Special Education 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. Benefits: Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs: * Medical Plan Options * Pharmacy * Dental * Vision * Behavioral Health & EAP * Employee Wellness Program Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: * Basic Life Insurance * Life and Disability Insurance * Pension Plans * Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) * Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) * Spot Pet Insurance Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies: * Paid Leave * Sick Leave * Vacation Days * Parental Leaves * Short-Term Disability * Religious Holidays * Leaves Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.