References will be checked only if you are selected as finalist. Position starts July 1, 2024.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To direct the needed services for special needs students and align with general education curriculum and instruction.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
• Commits to Excellence – a creative visionary who is focused on effecting change and has the ability to effectively drive transformation with continuous monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting.
• Connects with All – a compassionate leader who creates a supportive environment by modeling and expecting autonomy and accountability; who exemplifies ethics; who accepts and values the differences of others, exhibits empathy, and who has a sense of human wisdom, and courage.
• Invests in Grow – a lifelong learner who motivates and empowers others to become leaders and risk takers, and who acknowledges expertise, celebrates successes, and honors the lives of others.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
• Oversee district procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local board policies in Special Education.
• Direct and coordinate special education programs and the Regional Day School for the Deaf
• Coordinate, monitor, and provide technical assistance of regulated federal and state guidelines for students with disabilities.
• Contribute to the recommendation of sound policies directed toward program maintenance and/or improvement.
• Coordinate services from contracted agencies as needed.
• Model core organizational beliefs and values; communicate openly and effectively within and across teams; manage resources effectively to support district goals.
• Serve as a district resource for information regarding special education, its purpose, objectives and applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with other district offices and administrators; aid departments requesting and utilizing services provided; andrepresent the department as may be required in meetings and other outside activities.
• Participate in RDA monitoring and State Performance Plan (SSP) activities.
• Provides on-going training and support to teachers, administrators, and other staff to increase knowledge and support of Special Education laws, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the training of staff and make sound recommendations relative to employee placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal; develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Special education coordinators, educational diagnosticians and LSSPs, speech and language pathologists, speech assistants, special education counselors/social workers, special education homebound and hospital teachers, special education nurse, special education office support staff, other special education support staff.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Education/Certification/Experience:
• Master’s Degree required.
• Valid teaching certificate with special education endorsement preferred.
• Progressively responsible special education teaching experience. Administrator experience preferred.


Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local laws, and guidelines and procedures; staff and budget management; and appropriate supervisory practices.
• Skill in working in collaborative team-based environments; and working with computer tools, including but not limited to, email, internet, word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to communicate effectively; and exercise good judgment in decision making, especially in difficult circumstances.

Mental/Physical/Environmental Demand:

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize own work schedule on short-term basis.
• Ability to make decisions which have significant impact on the immediate work unit and monitor impact outside immediate work unit.
• Ability to communicate with individuals utilizing a telephone, computer, or other electronic device.
• Ability to compose material such as detailed reports, work-related manuals, publications of limited scope or impact and to make presentations outside of the immediate work area.
• Ability to compute, analyze and interpret numerical data for reporting purposes.
• Ability to make information presentations, inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, multi-priority environment.
• Ability to handle difficult conversations and deescalate employees, staff, and parents.
• Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• May work prolonged or irregular hours.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Maintain composure and professionalism at all times.