Disability Specialist - Manchester Public Schools
Reports To:
Special Education Case Manager, Supervisor of Pupil Services (with clinical guidance from BCBA and related-service providers as needed)
Location: Manchester High School - Everyday 2 / Multiple Abilities Program (MAP)
Position Summary:
The Disability Specialist provides individualized instructional, behavioral and functional support to students with disabilities in the MAP program to assist students in accessing their IEPs. This role bridges direct student support with data collection, progress monitoring, and collaboration across the special education team. This is a non-certified position; it does not require special education teacher certification or classification as a paraprofessional.
Minimum Qualifications:- Associate degree or higher in disability studies, human services, education, or related field
- Disability Specialist Certificate (or Associate Degree) from an accredited program preferred — such as the Disability Specialist Certificate (DSAB-CC) or AS (DSAB-AS) offered through CT State Community College
- Experience supporting individuals with disabilities in educational, residential, or community settings preferred
Key Responsibilities:- Support implementation of IEP goals across academic, functional, and social/emotional domains under the direction of the case manager and special education team
- Monitor and document student progress toward IEP goals; maintain accurate, timely data for progress reports and annual reviews
- Personalize instructional supports and task modifications based on individual student profiles, learning styles, and communication needs
- Support implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans in coordination with the BCBASupport skill development across a variety of settings including community-based instruction, vocational experiences, and transition activities
- Serve as a consistent point of collaboration between classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, related-service providers, families, and the case manager
- Assist with adaptive/daily living skill instruction, assistive technology, and self-advocacy skill-building as appropriate to student goals
- Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA and district policy
- Skill, Knowledge, Qualification and Experience:
- CT State's Disability Specialist Certificate/AS program - candidates who've completed or are enrolled in this or a comparable program are strongly encouraged to apply
- Excellent interpersonal skills, compassion, de-escalation skills, and experience working with youth in a special education setting preferred
Strong collaboration skills and ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers, related service providers, paraeducators.
Ability to work independently, multi-task, and problem solve
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple, changing priorities
Certification Requirements:
Non-certified Salary and Terms of Employment: 182 day school year + 4 professional development days. Hourly $25/hour
