SPED: Case Manager **$5000 sign-on bonus** (13)

Job Title: Case Manager


Wage/Hour Status: Exempt


Reports to: Director of Special Education


Pay Grade: Compensation Plan-197 days


Dept./School: Special Education


Initiated Date: Aug. 2026

WHO WE ARE


La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. With a strong 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley, our vision -

Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - reflects our urgent focus on student outcomes.


Our work is rooted in five district priorities:

1. Customer Service
2. Trust & Transparency
3. High-Quality Instruction
4. Excellence in Leadership
5. Integrity & Accountability

We are committed to ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction in every classroom. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) plays a critical role in ensuring early identification, timely intervention, and equitable access to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR


We are seeking a dedicated, compliance-driven, and student-centered professional to serve as the Case Manager. This individual provides districtwide support in coordinating and facilitating Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Texas Education Code, and all applicable federal and state regulations.


The Case Manager ensures equitable and legally compliant IEP development and service delivery for students with disabilities. This role strengthens campus implementation, supports families and staff, and ensures systems are in place to uphold student rights, instructional access, and compliance.


The ideal candidate has a demonstrated record of facilitating collaborative ARD processes, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting positive outcomes for students with diverse learning needs.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. ARD/IEP Meeting Facilitation

• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate all ARD committee meetings including initial evaluations, annual reviews, re-evaluations, amendments, and manifestation determination reviews.
• Ensure proper written notice is provided to all required ARD committee members, including parents/guardians, within required timelines.
• Lead structured and collaborative ARD meetings, ensuring all participants have a meaningful opportunity to contribute.
• Maintain neutrality and professionalism while managing meetings that may involve differing perspectives.
• Ensure all procedural safeguards are explained to parents and that informed consent is obtained as required by law.

1. IEP Development & Compliance

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that reflect each student's unique needs.
• Ensure IEP goals are measurable, research-based, and aligned to grade-level standards.
• Monitor campuses for compliance with timelines, service delivery, and IEP implementation fidelity.
• Review IEP documents for accuracy, completeness, and legal compliance prior to finalization.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the district's electronic IEP/ARD management system.

1. Family & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, guardians, and outside agencies regarding the ARD process.
• Build positive, trust-based relationships with families, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Collaborate with campus administrators, general education teachers, related service providers, and support staff to implement IEPs with fidelity.
• Participate in transition planning for students moving between grade levels, programs, or post-secondary settings.
• Coordinate with outside agencies for students who also receive community-based services.

1. Data Monitoring, Accountability & Reporting

• Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of special education data in TSDS/PEIMS and district systems.
• Track ARD timelines, eligibility determinations, re-evaluation dates, and transition requirements for assigned caseload.
• Generate and analyze reports to monitor compliance and student progress toward IEP goals.
• Provide timely data summaries to the Director of Special Education.
• Assist in preparation for state and federal monitoring reviews and audits.

1. Campus Support & Capacity Building

• Provide coaching and support to campus administrators, special education teachers, and campus coordinators.
• Assist campuses in resolving complex student service and compliance issues.
• Develop and disseminate ARD/IEP procedures, guidance documents, and tools.
• Ensure consistency of ARD implementation practices across campuses.
• Support campuses in implementing program requirements with fidelity.

1. Professional Learning & Staff Development

• Provide training to campus staff on ARD processes, IEP development, and special education law.
• Build campus capacity to support students with disabilities through high-quality instruction and services.
• Mentor new special education teachers and staff in ARD participation and IEP writing.
• Stay current with changes in state and federal special education regulations and proactively communicate updates.

1. Policy, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure alignment with IDEA, Texas Education Code Chapter 89, and district policies.
• Develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the ARD/IEP process.
• Monitor compliance timelines and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Use data and continuous improvement cycles to strengthen ARD processes and student outcomes.

1. Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Administration, or related field preferred
• Valid Texas educator certification required
• Special Education EC-12 or Generalist EC-12 certification required
• Principal or leadership certification preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of successful experience in special education instruction or administration
• Prior experience facilitating ARD/IEP meetings strongly preferred
• Campus or district leadership experience preferred
• Experience analyzing program compliance and student data
• Experience supporting diverse and linguistically diverse student populations

Special Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of IDEA, Texas Education Code Chapter 89, and state and federal special education requirements
• Proficiency with Texas Student Data System (TSDS) and PEIMS reporting
• Ability to interpret assessment data and translate results into appropriate IEP goals and services
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate across departments and campuses
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and special education data management systems (e.g., Frontline/Enrich or equivalent)

WORKING CONDITIONS


Work is performed in both office and campus environments. Frequent campus visits required. May require light lifting (under 20 pounds). Frequent sitting, standing, walking, computer use, and presentations.

Position Working Days: 197 days