Under the direction of the field director, is responsible for providing support to field office staff and school-based staff regarding; student services, student changes of school assignments, attendance problems, case management, compliance with school problem solving team procedures, home and hospital teaching, home instruction, community support services, residency issues, custody issues, child abuse/neglect reporting, mental health crisis response, referrals from private schools, disciplinary cases involving requests for extended suspension or expulsion, assessment consultation, inservice and training as appropriate. Works cooperatively with director of student services office as well as other student services units  in formulating operational guidelines for carrying out the goal and mission of the school system, OSESS, and DSS.. Works collaboratively with leadership in all other MCPS offices in identifying and programming for students with special needs. Promotes success for every student through collaboration with state and local government agencies and community service providers to support students and parents; to develop preventative and early and intervention strategies for students; flexible programming, classroom accommodation and maximum utilization of all available resources; and elimination of disproportionate representation in special education programs and services. Provides information to assist the field directors in the evaluation of pupil personnel workers and school psychologists.

This position requires the knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS)Under the direction of the field director, is responsible for providing support to field office staff and school-based staff regarding; student services, student changes of school assignments, attendance problems, case management, compliance with school problem solving team procedures, home and hospital teaching, home instruction, community support services, residency issues, custody issues, child abuse/neglect reporting, mental health crisis response, referrals from private schools, disciplinary cases involving requests for extended suspension or expulsion, assessment consultation, in-service and training as appropriate. Works cooperatively with director of student services office as well as other student services units in formulating operational guidelines for carrying out the goal and mission of the school system, OSESS, and DSS.. Works collaboratively with leadership in all other MCPS offices in identifying and programming for students with special needs. Promotes success for every student through collaboration with state and local government agencies and community service providers to support students and parents; to develop preventative and early and intervention strategies for students; flexible programming, classroom accommodation and maximum utilization of all available resources; and elimination of disproportionate representation in special education programs and services. Provides information to assist the field directors in the evaluation of pupil personnel workers and school psychologists.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on student services, school counseling, psychology, general education, special education or related field. Experience in student services, special education or related field. Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in this position may be considered.

Meets Maryland certification requirements for counselor, pupil personnel worker, school psychologist, teacher, special educator or related field.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists director in the operaration and management of the field office,  including conducting investigative conferences related to displincary actions, responding to requests for change of school assignments, and addressing concerns of students, parents, and school staff.

2. Serves as the “acting field office director” in the absence of the field office director.

3. Collaborates with PPWs and school psychologists regarding case management issues. Responds to principal, parent and staff inquiries regarding student services issues.

4. Promotes, develops, and delivers professional development to field office staff, student services staff, and school staff in the area of student services,such as  attendance and truancy,, mental health crisis response,, service delivery models, collaborative problem solving, prevention and intervention strategies for academic and behavioral issues, home schooling, residency and enrollment procedures, drop out prevention, issues related homelessness, referrals from private schools, custodial rights, and child abuse/neglect reporting issues.

5. Works cooperatively with the the field office director, the director of the department of student services, the supervisor or pupil personnel services, the supervisor of psychological services, other student services leadership, and school administrators to facilitate and coordinate implementation of student services and school management plans to ensure student success..

6. Works cooperatively with special education leadership in supporting the implementation of procedures and regulations related to placement of students with disabilities.

7. Analyzes data to determine trends related to disciplinary issues and attendance issues and works to develop plans to address each.

8. Provides input, including the completion of formal observations,  to the field office director in evaluations of PPWs and school psychologists.

9. Collaborates with interagency teams in responding to student and parent needs.

10. Works with director to update field office staff and school-based staff on changes in federal and state law, MSDE policies, and MCPS policies and regulations.

11. Represents MCPS, OSESS, and/or DSS on committees and work groups.

12. Performs related duties and other tasks as required.

Class Established: 5/94
Date(s) Reviewed:
Date(s) Revised: 7/96, 3/08