Citywide Assessment Team Manager

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 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 mission of the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) is to provide high quality and specially designed instructional supports and services for all diverse learners within their least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with several units, specifically schools and Networks with the goal of improving the academic achievement of all diverse learners. ODLSS works to ensure that diverse learners receive meaningful and relevant access to grade level core instruction within their neighborhood school, school of choice, or the school closest to their residence.

The Chicago Public Schools is responsible for completing assessment planning, evaluations, eligibility determinations and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development for students determined eligible for services for the district’s non-attending students in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes students who are transitioning from Early Intervention, attending community-based programs or who are home-schooled as well as students who are parentally placed in private schools in the City of Chicago and/or who reside in Chicago.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Citywide Assessment & Assignment, the Citywide Assessment Team (CAT) Manager will ensure that evaluation referrals made to CPS by all non-attending students, are scheduled and completed in a timely manner. This includes monitoring compliance with federal regulations and state performance plan indicators. The CAT Manager will assist with the establishment of policies and will be the central point of communication for community-based staff and providers, private school affiliates, staff and parents. This role will also manage several direct reports and supervise the several workstreams for multiple teams.

The Citywide Assessment Team Manager of School Supports will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Immediate supervision of Case Managers, SPED Teachers on the Citywide Assessment Teams, and all Child Find Team members.
• Oversee student registration in ASPEN, including scanning/uploading documents and creating referrals in Student Services Management.
• Oversee and ensure the completion of quality evaluations of all non-attending students in the city of Chicago
• Oversee the Child Find Screening team operations related to meeting obligations for Early Childhood referrals for SPED evaluations.
• Oversee appointment scheduling and the organization of assignment/rotation of multiple teams to ensure efficiency of process and completion of evaluations.
• Organize CAT rotation and the staffing of retirees and substitutes.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication with various external stakeholders and community partners, including hospitals and private doctors/therapists and directors of non-public programs.
• Liaison between CATS and various internal departments and stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective on-site processes and procedures, and transition of students from Early Childhood to CPS enrollment.
• Manage all aspects of additional days for assessment (Saturday and Summer Assessments) year-round, including meticulous organization of CPS citywide applicants/staff, CAT support staff, families and site staff to ensure seamless operations for Saturdays and Summer Assessment, and communication with all stakeholders to secure locations for Summer Assessment sites.
• Maintain supplies and ensure technology remains operational for work efficiency
• Develop and monitor teams to ensure they provide excellent customer service throughout the evaluation process.
• Maintain current database of referrals from all sources for accountability and to assist with planning (e.g, ISBE data, Completed Cases Tracker
• Complete REACH Evaluations of CAT Case Managers, SPED Teachers, and Child Find Team members through the Reflect and Learn system.
• Act as the liaison to ISBE regarding evaluations and other related matters.
• Implement procedures established by ODLSS for student evaluations in accordance with state and federal mandated timelines and policies.
• Develop, implement and maintain processes for any additional projects assigned from ODLSS leaders, including compensatory education/transportation for inactive students and Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO)s for Early Childhood students.
• Understand all aspects of the evaluation process and adhere to IDEA: Provided related guidance as necessary; Support review and finalization of IEPs for students found eligible in accordance with IDEA and district policies.
• Operate as the Special Education District Representative at IEP team meetings.
• Participate on the ODLSS leadership team to review data, engage in strategic discussions and deliver on action items as needed.
• Troubleshoot major diverse learner service issues to ensure that all students are receiving Free Appropriate Public Education (F.A.P.E.)
• Manage, monitor and contribute to the budgeting and planning initiatives related to day-to-day operational and long-term goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, Citywide Assessment Team Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university required; Focus in Education or and Education-related field preferred
• Valid Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations (out of state)
• Valid Principal/Administrator endorsement (Type 75)
• REACH certification or commitment to complete REACH certification within 4 months of hire.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in school or educational setting as a Related Service Provider, Case Manager or Special Education Teacher required
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing training to parents, advocates and employees / staff
• Professional work experience within CPS preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal and state requirements regarding the provision of special education and related services, including timelines and procedures
• Ability to work consultatively and collaboratively with a team of professionals, have shared ownership of work and expected outcomes
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task between assessments/meetings, and respond to requests based upon priority and complexity
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Motivated, energetic, critical-thinker and problem-solver with a high level of organization to effectively manage several work streams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to utilize the appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to promote and encourage parental involvement and participation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications and Google suite applications
• Strong communication skills (Verbal and Written) with the ability to maintain an open, effective flow of communication with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Familiarity and ability to work with students and families of culturally diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of electronic management systems e.g., Aspen, SSM preferred

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. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.