Special Education Case Manager

Special Education Case Manager
About Great Lakes Academy
Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school in South Chicago. Core to our mission is equipping every student with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and strength of character needed to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
Our teachers work relentlessly to close opportunity gaps, and the results are undeniable. On the 2024 Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math among all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago. We also ranked in the top 20% statewide for ELA growth and the top 6% for math growth.
As we look ahead to the 2026-27 school year, we are raising the bar even higher. We are seeking passionate, data-driven teachers who believe all students can achieve at the highest levels and are committed to doing the work to make that belief a reality.
Job Overview
The Case Manager is responsible for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 compliance. This includes providing oversight of the pre-referral and referral processes, evaluations and reevaluations, and annual reviews. Additionally, the Case Manager will ensure high levels of compliance fidelity in the creation and execution of IEP and 504 plans for students eligible for those services. The Case Manager will supervise the school's Paraeducators to ensure that students are being served excellently in accordance with their IEP's. The Case Manager will report directly to the Principal.
Job Outputs

1. All components of IEP and 504 plan procedures are followed with fidelity and 100% are finalized in Chicago Public School's Student Services Management (SSM) system on-time.
2. All students in need of any special services are efficiently identified through MTSS and other processes, evaluated, and provided with the appropriate IEP or 504.
3. School is in compliance with all district, state and federal special education laws and requirements, including but not limited to, meeting service provision requirements through efficient use of staffing.
4. Paraprofessionals are coached and supported in providing services to students, including both academic and behavioral supports.
5. Special education and general education teachers provide appropriate services to students, including both academic and behavioral supports.
6. Instructional staff proficiently execute co-teaching models that leads to student growth and achievement.
7. Related Service Providers (RSPs) are managed and all student service minutes are met monthly.
8. Clear Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) processes for students with IEP's who need behavioral supports are implemented with fidelity.
9. All students receive appropriate accommodations on school and state assessments.
10. All other necessary components for IEP and 504 compliance are carried out with fidelity.

Job Responsibilities

1. Coordinates staff execution of IEPs and tracking of IEP implementation on school and district systems.
2. Coordinates all evaluations and reevaluations for students, both new and triennial.
3. Coordinates all IEP and 504 annual reviews.
4. Collaborates with RSPs, special education teachers and general education classroom teachers in coordinating support schedules for all special needs students and evaluations needs.
5. Hires, manages, and coordinates schedules for RSPs serving students at GLA, including evaluations and execution of engaging lessons that supports all special needs such that they consistently meet and exceed their IEP goals.
6. Collaborates with the Principal and Assistant Principal on selection, training, implementation and monitoring of academic MTSS curriculum and instruction, and behavioral interventions.
7. Collaborates with the Principal and Dean of Culture and Climate on selection, training, implementation and monitoring of academic MTSS behavioral interventions.
8. Collaborates with the Instructional Leadership Team to ensure strong co-teaching instruction is implemented for students with IEP's.
9. Manages meetings cadence for entire student support team and across school to provide clear communication and systems for monitoring and supporting all scholars.
10. Coordinate with teachers and Special Education team monitoring student progress, coordinating the MTSS process, and any testing necessary for evaluations.
11. Collaborates with the Assistant Principal to ensure the school's master schedule maximizes the time of special education staff and serves all students in accordance with their IEP.
12. Coordinates communication to families for all student supports.
13. Manages, coaches, and supports paraprofessionals.
14. Conducts full staff training on special education services and school medical needs.
15. Coordinates all compliance trainings across staff.
16. Manage all medication distribution across school.
17. Manages parent relationships for all students receiving special services.
18. Works collaboratively with members of the School Leadership Team to execute the schoolwide MTSS plan to ensure Academic MTSS interventions are implemented, tracked, documented, and reviewed with high levels of fidelity.

. Competencies

1. Ability to coordinate the execution of evaluations and creation of IEPs or 504 plans.
2. Ability to write IEPs that are comprehensive, compliant, and focused on student success.
3. Knowledge of state and federal special education laws to ensure the compliance of the school with regulatory requirements.
4. Ability to clearly communicate with families, students, and staff regarding individual student needs and to build relationships with families.
5. Well-organized, systems-thinker who is able to create and follow tracking and data systems with fidelity.
6. Strong coordination and collaboration skills to organize and schedule the services of all qualified students.
7. Ability to coach and support all Paraeducators and support providers including teachers.

Job Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree is required; Master's degree is preferred.
2. Minimum of three years special education teaching experience in an urban public school or charter school setting is required.
3. Case Management experience required, preferably within a CPS system school, district or charter.
4. Valid Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS 1) Professional Educator License (PEL) is required.
5. Belief in and alignment with Great Lakes Academy's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

As an equal opportunity employer, Great Lakes Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.