Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) in Dorchester, Massachusetts at Codman Academy Charter School

Job Title: Coordinator of Special Education (COSE)
Supervisor:
Start Date: TBD
Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position

Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000.

Position Overview

Codman Academy Charter Public School is seeking an experienced and highly collaborative Coordinator of Special Education (COSE) to lead the implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement of special education services across the school. The COSE ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) while supporting strong academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary outcomes.

The Coordinator of Special Education plays a critical leadership role in managing compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Massachusetts DESE regulations, while building strong partnerships with families, teachers, and outside service providers. This role ensures that all special education programming aligns with Codman Academy’s mission to prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

The COSE collaborates closely with the Principal, Chief of Staff, instructional leaders, related service providers, and external agencies to ensure high-quality services, regulatory compliance, and equitable access to instruction for all students.

This is an exempt position that may require occasional evening meetings with families.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all special education services across the school.

• Support strong academic outcomes and equitable access to instruction for students with disabilities.

• Ensure students with disabilities participate in the general education environment with appropriate support.

• Provide coaching and guidance to special education teachers and related service providers.

• Support the implementation of research-based instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional practices.

• Ensure culturally responsive and inclusive practices across all special education programming.

• Monitor and support transition planning beginning at age 14.

• Chair initial, reevaluation, and emergency placement IEP team meetings.

• Develop and oversee the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• Facilitate annual review meetings and ensure timely completion of required meetings.

• Secure and track parent consent and signatures for IEPs.

• Ensure all teachers and providers receive updated copies of IEPs and service plans.

• Support teachers in implementing accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction.

• Align student schedules with IEP services and related supports.

• Monitor IEP service delivery and compliance with minutes.

• Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Massachusetts DESE regulations, and Section 504.

• Maintain oversight of:

  • IEP timelines

  • Evaluation timelines

  • Parent notifications

  • Service delivery documentation

• Monitor and manage:

  • Progress reports

  • Management reports

  • Compliance reporting

  • Transfer student record maintenance

• Participate in dispute resolution, mediation, and due process hearings as necessary.

• Lead Manifestation Determination hearings and support implementation of the Code of Conduct for students with disabilities.

• Chair Section 504 eligibility meetings.

• Develop and monitor 504 accommodation plans.

• Ensure teachers and staff understand and implement accommodations.

• Coordinate and oversee state and school-based testing accommodations.

• Ensure compliance with MCAS and other assessment requirements.

• Collaborate with testing coordinators and instructional leaders to ensure appropriate supports.

• Build strong partnerships with families as collaborators in the special education process.

• Provide clear communication and guidance to families regarding services, supports, and student progress.

• Facilitate Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPED PAC) collaboration and engagement.

• Support families in navigating services and resources.

• Coordinate services with outside agencies and contracted providers.

• Serve as liaison with:

  • Evaluators

  • Therapists

  • Private placement providers

  • Community service agencies

• Coordinate services for students placed in out-of-district programs.

• Oversee Medicaid reimbursement processes, including:

  • Parent consent collection

  • Random Moment Time Studies

  • EasyTrac documentation

• Monitor student data to support instructional improvement and compliance.

• Track and analyze special education service delivery and outcomes.

• Provide professional development related to:

  • Inclusive practices

  • IEP implementation

  • Behavioral supports

  • Differentiated instruction

• Support teachers in understanding and implementing accommodations and specialized instruction.

• Collaborate with instructional leadership to strengthen Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports.

• Valid Massachusetts DESE License in one of the following:

  • Special Education (Moderate or Severe Disabilities)

  • School Psychologist

  • School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor

  • Speech-Language Pathologist

• Comprehensive knowledge of:

  • IDEA

  • DESE regulations

  • Section 504

  • IEP development and compliance

• Minimum three years of experience in special education or related services.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with administrators, teachers, families, and service providers.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Authorization to work in the United States.

• Master’s degree in Special Education or related field.

• Administrative or supervisory certification.

• Experience in urban charter school settings.

• Experience with special education data systems and compliance monitoring.

• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in languages commonly spoken in Boston (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali)

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong compliance oversight.

• Skilled collaborator who builds trusting relationships with families and staff.

• Strong advocate for students with disabilities and equitable access to learning.

• Solutions-oriented leader who can manage complex systems and timelines.

Codman Academy Charter Public School is committed to creating equitable, inclusive learning environments where all students thrive. The Coordinator of Special Education plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the services, instruction, and advocacy necessary to succeed academically and beyond.

At Codman, special education is not simply compliance—it is a commitment to belonging, access, and student success.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Three Letters of Recommendation

• Transcripts

• Evidence of DESE Licensure

Codman Academy Charter Public School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, age, disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, or military status.