Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Specialist, Florida Scholars Academy

PLEASE NOTE: Your application will expire one year from the time of submission. Please feel free to apply to any other positions for which you may qualify. Our team members enjoy competitive salaries, a well-rounded benefits package, generous paid time off (including 12 holidays, vacation, and sick leave), and an array of professional development opportunities.  We’re always looking to add to our team of more than 3,000 dedicated professionals who are leading online education worldwide with transformative digital solutions – personalized to every student. Job Posting End Date: Deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on 09-28-2026 Job Title: Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Specialist, Florida Scholars Academy Contract Type: Employee Annual Salary: $59,850.00 - $119,700.00 Location: FL - FSA Job Description Summary: Our Mission is to equip students for success by developing and delivering highly effective digital learning through an intuitive online platform. FLVS does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law. The Position: Position General Summary: The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Specialist, Florida Scholars Academy, assists the ESE Manager with staffing and support for students with disabilities, impairments, and/or students who are gifted/talented as well as works with internal and external stakeholders to assist in providing support and information to meet the needs of these unique learners. This position assists in acting as a liaison between the ESE Department, school and district staff, residential facility staff, service provider, community agencies, students, and their families. The ESE Specialist collaborates with families, schools, district staff, and external stakeholders concerning all facets of programming for students with special needs from pre-referral, placement, transition, graduation, assessment, and post-secondary needs. The ESE Specialist keeps abreast of state rules, legislation, and federal IDEA requirements surrounding ESE eligibility, Access Points-Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AP-AAAS), Gifted and Talented Education, Section 504, and post-secondary transition. Essential Position Functions: Serves as the point of contact for parents and staff to address evaluation referrals and requests for students with suspected disabilities or impairments and/or suspected giftedness. Meets regularly with Student Support Teams/Treatment Teams to assist with problem-solving for students. Compiles and reviews comprehensive data to determine eligibility and make appropriate placement decisions for students. Schedules, coordinates, organizes, and facilitates initial eligibility meetings with all required and necessary meeting participants. Manages all initial eligibilities and staff students appropriately for ESE programs, Gifted programs, and Section 504. Ensures timelines are met for requesting parental consent, meeting notices, evaluation, and placement for ESE, Section 504, and Gifted. Assists with intake and exit processes for students with disabilities. Collaborates with instructional staff to provide support to meet individual needs and assist students in meeting goals and objectives. Provides support for/facilitates and/or administers the Statewide, Standardized Alternate Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities as defined in section 1008.22(3)(c), F.S. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships by consulting regularly with internal and external stakeholders such as: students, parents/guardians, instructors, counselors, therapists, related services providers, agencies, facility staff, etc. Provides Prior Written Notice and IDEA Procedural Safeguards to parents to meet compliance requirements for ESE and Gifted. Establishes and maintains an efficient and accurate record keeping system of current and cumulative youth records. Documents all forms of contact and upload documents to secure folders in the Student Information System (SIS) in a timely manner. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records and reports in the SIS for compliance monitoring to meet all district and state ESE timelines. Protects the privacy of student records per The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Collaborates regularly with school stakeholders to obtain and maintain knowledge of curriculum offerings and supplemental interventions to assist in educational planning and support for youth with disabilities. Develops and facilitates training and maintains communication for students, families, and staff related to best practices in special education, gifted education, Section 504, transition services, and other supports. Assists in the development of standard operating procedures for ESE policies and procedures. Utilizes the Florida DOE Portal to Exceptional Education Resources (PEER) program for ESE/IEP/EP/504 paperwork. Stays abreast of all updates in ESE, 504, and Gifted state legislation and federal law to ensure student success and district compliance. Continues professional growth through participation in training and other staff development activities. Provides the highest level of customer service to student, families, and instructional staff. Models professional and ethical standards when working with youth, parents/guardians, peers, and community members. Any other academic related topic established at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools, Florida Scholars Academy or Regional Director, Florida Scholars Academy.  Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as: meeting deadlines, honoring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrating respect for others. All w