Related Service Provider, Manager, Social Work

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district 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 Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance supports.

Job Summary :

Under the direction of the Director of Related Service Providers, the Related Service Provider Manager, Social Work is responsible for the professional development and evaluation of the related service providers serving our students and schools.

The Manager supports services and resources related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. They support principals and school staff in seeking appropriate services to support students and collaborate with other ODLSS staff to support school principals and other school personnel in working with students who experience personal, social, medical, clinical, and / or emotional issues that prevent the attainment of academic success in the classroom setting.

The Manager responds to principal and staff needs regarding related service provider assignments and evaluation, and supports schools through timely, effective, and efficient problem-solving.

Through collaboration and advocacy, the Manager supports school system goals and priorities, as well as the mission of the Office of Diverse Learner Supports + Services.

The Related Service Provider Manager, Social Work will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Implements the training of related service providers to enhance their effectiveness and efficiencies
• In collaboration with CPS Talent office, actively recruits and participates in the hiring of related service providers
• Develops, approves, and monitors the assignments and schedules for related service providers
• Develops, collects, monitors, and analyzes data that contributes to increasing the academic achievement of all students
• Monitors and provides constant data reporting regarding respective budget classifications associated with the staffing and servicing of related service providers
• Works closely with the Director of Related Service Providers to optimize the well-being of students and ensure efficient resource allocation
• Works cooperatively with Networks, school, central office management, parents, and other stakeholders to continually improve the programs
• Assumes the responsibility for their own professional development and for keeping current with the literature, new research findings and improved delivery techniques in various areas by attending appropriate professional meetings, and by other means
• Conducts REACH evaluations for related service providers
• Performs related duties and other tasks as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Related Service Provider Manager, Social Work must possess the following qualifications :

Education Required :

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• REACH certification or commitment to complete REACH certification within timeline specified by hiring manager

Experience Required :

• Minimum of five (5) years working as a related service provider (e.g., occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist) in a school or clinical setting
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a manager or supervisor of staff
• Type 73 / PEL required and Type 75 preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Familiarity with CPS district, preferred
• Ability to establish excellent working relationships with key stakeholder groups (e.g., collective bargaining units, building administrators, directors, etc.)
• Innovative thinker and commitment to excellence
• Track record of successful team leadership
• High level of initiative and keen leadership skills, commitment to driving a high level of collaboration across CPS to improve overall ODLSS functions
• A proactive approach to problem-solving; ability to quickly process complex information and present it clearly and simply to varied stakeholders (related services team, school personnel, central office, and families)
• Oral and written communication skills; strong presentation skills
• Analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills with a focus on quality
• Time management and organizational skills
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office suite tools

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to :

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.