SELPA Special Education Coordinator

COORDINATOR, FOOTHILL SELPA

DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the Senior Director of the Foothill SELPA, the Coordinator, Foothill SELPA, coordinates the implementation of policies, regulations, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to SELPA special education programs to enhance student learning and achievement.  Provides consultation, coaching, one-to-one and group presentations, classroom support, and instructional and behavioral strategies for regular educators, services to children and adolescents with disabilities, and supports parents in enhancing the educational effectiveness of the assigned program area and any other related functions as directed.

The Foothill SELPA is comprised of Burbank Unified, La Canada Unified, and Glendale Unified School Districts.  At Foothill SELPA, we believe every student can learn and deserves a learning environment that is accessible, equitable, and inclusive. Our mission is to leverage collective resources to ensure the success of all students, making our schools a central and beneficial part of our communities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Credential

Valid California Special Educational Teaching or Pupil Personnel Services Credential, authorizing service in School Psychology, and a valid California Administrative Services Credential.

Education

Master's Degree required; training in the broad aspects of school administration, with an emphasis on special education, required 

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience in special education at the PK-12 level or service as a school psychologist, experience providing professional development required, strong oral and written communication skills required.  Out-of-classroom experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

This position is anticipated to provide administrative support and coordination for the Foothill SELPA's Magnolia Park and Glendale West programs. Experience supporting students with intensive social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs is highly desirable.

WORK YEAR

The current work year is 210 work days, to be worked between July 1 and June 30.  

SALARY SCHEDULE

Placement on the Certificated Management Salary Schedule, depending on education and experience.  The current seven-step salary range (including longevity) is from $117,306.07 to $135,655.26. (Pending board approval, this salary may increase by 4.5%)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide leadership, coordination, and support to member districts in the implementation of special education programs and services to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and SELPA policies.
2. Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of SELPA programs, initiatives, and strategic priorities.
3. Provide consultation, technical assistance, and support to district administrators, teachers, related service providers, and families regarding instructional practices, behavioral supports, student transitions, dispute resolution, and program implementation.
4. Facilitate and support district Student Study Team (SST) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) processes through consultation, case review, and guidance regarding referrals for special education assessment, including monitoring for disproportionality.
5. Provide guidance and support to member districts regarding the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); participate in IEP meetings as requested, including complex, contentious, or high-profile cases.
6. Monitor special education program effectiveness, compliance indicators, and service delivery systems; provide recommendations and technical assistance to member districts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
7. Coordinate and support SELPA-wide recruitment, retention, professional learning, and staffing initiatives; provide guidance regarding the utilization of certificated, classified, and contracted service providers.
8. Plan, coordinate, and deliver professional development and technical assistance for certificated and classified personnel throughout the SELPA; collaborate with member districts to develop training aligned with legal requirements and evidence-based practices.
9. Coordinate and support specialized programs and services, including preschool programs, assessment services, nonpublic schools, residential placements, low-incidence services, related services, and regionalized SELPA programs.  This includes serving as the on-site administrator.
10. Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, court decisions, and best practices related to special education; assist member districts with complaint resolution, mediation, due process proceedings, and compliance activities as assigned.
11. Serve as a liaison among member districts, county offices, state agencies, families, community organizations, and service providers; establish and maintain collaborative partnerships to support students with disabilities.
12. Monitor legislative, regulatory, and programmatic developments impacting special education and assist member districts in implementing required changes.
13. Coordinate and monitor SELPA compliance activities, including data collection, state reporting requirements, monitoring reviews, corrective actions, and School-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (SMAA) as assigned.
14. Prepare and maintain reports, records, and documentation related to SELPA programs, budgets, grants, compliance activities, and student services.
15. Coordinate and supervise Extended School Year (ESY) programs and other regionalized services as assigned.
16. Assist in the development, administration, and monitoring of SELPA budgets, grants, contracts, and fiscal resources.
17. Represent the SELPA at local, regional, and state meetings, committees, and professional organizations as assigned.
18. Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
2. Knowledge of best practices in special education, assessment, behavioral supports, and inclusive instruction.
3. Knowledge of educationally related mental health services (ERMHS), behavioral supports, and applicable special education laws and regulations.
4. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments and timelines.
5. Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and exercise sound judgment.
6. Ability to provide consultation, technical assistance, and support to administrators, teachers, and staff.
7. Ability to facilitate meetings, presentations, and professional development activities.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district personnel, families, agencies, and community partners.
9. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
10. Ability to listen objectively and provide constructive feedback.
11. Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
12. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support compliance and program improvement.
13. Knowledge of and ability to use technology, data systems, and computer applications.
14. Ability to travel throughout the SELPA service area as needed.
15. Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
16. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
17. Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English.
18. Oral and written proficiency in a second language is desirable.

SUPERVISION

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Director, Foothill SELPA.  Supervises certificated and classified staff, as assigned. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Application Materials

All applicants must submit a letter of introduction, a resume of training and qualifications, a copy of a valid California teaching or PPS credential, and five (5) current professional references, including the most recent supervisor.  Please be sure to note your experience supporting students with intensive social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs in your cover letter.   References will be contacted by telephone during the application process.

2. Application Submission Deadline

Applicants may view the job posting on EdJoin; however, all applications must be submitted through the Frontline platform using the link provided in the posting. All application materials must be submitted via the Frontline platform no later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026.  Applications submitted directly to Human Resources will not be accepted.

3. Personal Interviews

           After initial screening of all applications, selected candidates will be contacted for a personal interview with administration and labor partners.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions and responsibilities. The Glendale Unified School District retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of a position at any time.