Case Manager, Citywide Assessment Team

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 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.

Job Summary :

The case manager is responsible for facilitating the entire evaluation process for all non-attending students in the city of Chicago in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This process includes consent / assessment planning meetings, evaluations, triennial evaluations, eligibility determinations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and 504 plans as needed for children aged 2.

6 - 22 years of age. Non-attending students include children aging out of Early Intervention and transitioning to Early Childhood, as well as students referred from Head Start facilities, Child Find Screenings, and students who are parentally placed in Private Schools or who are homeschooled and reside in the City of Chicago.

The Case Manager is responsible for facilitating a Team in reviewing data, conducting assessments and observations, preparing goals / specialized instruction, and making educational recommendations.

The Case Manager serves as an essential leader of the evaluation and IEP Team and should be equipped to provide support to team members, parents, and outside stakeholders throughout the evaluation process.

The Case Manager should work closely with the site lead and CAT administrator to find solutions to challenging situations in a fast-paced environment.

The CM is also expected to work collaboratively with colleagues and CAT support staff to ensure procedures run seamlessly for all parties involved, particularly the families.

Individuals applying for this position should have experience 1) participating in evaluations within schools, 2) developing IEPs / 504 plans for children ranging in age from preschool through High School (ages 3-21), 3) and a deep understanding of the Pre-K Programming Continuum, 4) working independently to maintain meticulous records / documentation, 5) working collaboratively to find solutions in a timely and effective manner.

The Case Manager can also play the role of General Education Teacher or Special Education Teacher when / if needed on the CATS.

This is a citywide position.

The Case Manager, Citywide Assessment Team will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Facilitates all special education team meetings including Consent / Assessment Planning, Eligibility, IEP conferences, and 504 plans in accordance with state and federal-mandated timelines and procedures.
• Works closely with CAT Administrator and Team Lead to ensure an effective and seamless evaluation process for all families.
• Reviews documentation with the Team to determine and indicate referral decisions in SSM. Communicates referral decision to Private School lead, SESS or CAT Administrator to be sent to the parent.
• Creates and sends all necessary electronic documents in SSM to parents in a timely manner (same day or within 24 hours of the evaluation).
• Ensures all SSM records (e.g., IEP / 504 plan) are completed, thoroughly reviewed, and finalized in a timely manner to meet compliance requirements (e.

g. EI to EC transition timelines).

• Completes all Early Intervention Tracking Forms and ECOs in a timely manner when warranted.
• Adheres to predetermined timelines and supports completion of 2 cases minimum) per day.
• Supports completion of multiple cases and / or other administrative duties (e.g, review of files / requests for evaluations) as directed by CAT Administrator on a daily basis.
• Verifies that all written consents are obtained and parents have given copies of all documents pertaining to the evaluation process in a timely manner (preferably by email).
• Tracks returning cases in order to reschedule appointments and ensure that outstanding cases are completed.
• Creates Notices of Conferences and completes Referrals as needed.
• Completes all necessary follow-up documents, including but not limited to, School-Assignment Request Forms and Service Plan requests.
• Responds professionally to all parent and / or advocate questions and concerns regarding EC and Private Schools.
• Maneuvers contentious situations with professionalism. Collaborates with colleagues and CAT Manager to solve challenging situations and provide solutions.
• As necessary, assume the role of general education or special education teacher.
• Continues to develop professionally via CPS-offered PDs and independently.
• Consistent, on-time attendance on all required workdays.
• Other duties as assigned.

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

Education Required :

• Master’s degree in early childhood education, counseling, or related field from an accredited college or university is required
• Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate endorsement(s), including Early Childhood Specialist Approval, Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1), and General Administrative
• ESL Endorsement a plus

Experience Required :

• Minimum of 4 years experience in school or educational setting highly preferred
• Experience working with students and families of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Experience evaluating early childhood students is preferred.
• Experience with Due Process cases is recommended.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Expert knowledge of state and federal timelines and procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task between assessments / meetings, and respond to requests based upon priority and complexity.
• Professional ability with time management (e.,g., reporting to work on time)
• Knowledge of CPS Early Childhood Special Education programs
• Deep understanding of school-aged and EC IEP / 504 Plan development
• Experience with Transition planning through age 21
• Expert with group facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of CPS operating systems including, but not limited to : SSM, Aspen, etc.
• Proficient in Google Docs, Microsoft Office Applications
• Ability to collaborate and be a creative problem solver and team player.
• Ability to have shared ownership of work and expected outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, team members, students, parents, and advocates.
• Ability to promote and encourage parental involvement and participation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with multiple stakeholders.

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.