Special Education Lead Case Manager

About Mastery:

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. 

At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices. 

Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Please note: This position requires prior Special Education teaching experience. While we value experience in social work, counseling, case management, and related fields, candidates must have direct K-12 Special Education classroom teaching experience to be considered.   The Opportunity:   The Lead Case Manager ensures that students receiving special education services and Section 504 accommodations achieve academic success. This role oversees IEP and 504 plan development, compliance with state and federal regulations, and student intervention programs. Additionally, the Lead Case Manager provides mentorship to students and guidance to staff to ensure the effective implementation of specialized services across all academic settings.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure school-wide compliance with all state and federal laws governing special education and 504 plans.
• Develop, implement, and oversee Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Service Agreements that drive measurable student progress.
• Monitor student grades, benchmark assessments, and progress tracking data to ensure academic achievement for students receiving specialized services.
• Conduct and oversee Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and develop Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs).
• Chair manifestation determination meetings and prepare required documentation.
• Lead the Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) team, ensuring effective student support interventions.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to students on self-regulation, organization, and academic success strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure special education accommodations are implemented effectively in general education settings.
• Serve as a liaison to the School Culture Team, supporting behavior interventions for students receiving special education services.
• Manage relationships with related service providers (Psychologists, Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists) and therapeutic support staff.
• Provide training and support to school staff on compliance, special education policies, and intervention best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations and student achievement. 

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
• Expertise in special education regulations, compliance policies, and student support best practices (PA/NJ-specific).
• Experience developing IEPs, 504 Plans, FBAs, and PBSPs.
• Ability to mentor and guide teachers, administrators, and support staff on specialized services implementation.
• Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making and student progress monitoring.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students receive high-quality support services.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with special education students and collaborating with families, teachers, and external service providers to support student success.
• Certification as a Special Education Teacher, Supervisor of Special Education, or Principal’s Certification required.

Physical Requirements:

• This role may involve standing and sitting for extended periods, moving throughout the school building, observing classrooms, and participating in school events. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed.

Salary and Bonus Information:

• This role is eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses!
• New-to-Mastery Lead Case Managers can expect a starting salary between $94,250 and $105,560 based on experience and education. The full salary range for this role is $94,250 to $116,000, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. All offers are reviewed individually to ensure equity in compensation and to reflect relevant experience. Mastery's Benefits Package:   We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery for full-time employees), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as access to the Health Advocate Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics. Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!   Annual Calendar:   As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our calendar here. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!   Why You Should Apply:   Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.