Please contact the district or school with any questions regarding this position.

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the district’s special education and 504 programs. Ensure that services are provided for special needs and 504 students.  Ensure that individualized education plans and 504 plans are provided that meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
Master’s degree
 
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Diagnostician experience preferred
Special education certification preferred
Knowledge of federal and state special education law
Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
Ability to implement policy and procedures
Ability to interpret data
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
 
Experience:
3 years teaching experience in special education

Major Responsibilities and Duties:


Instructional and Program Management
  1. Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
  2. Develop and implement procedures to identify and monitor 504 students at all grade levels and ensure that the resources are in place to support student success.
  3. Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
  4. Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
  5. Monitor the 504 process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of 504 plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
  6. Provide information about school district and community resources available to students and their families and ensure that processes are in place that help them to access those resources when needed.
  7. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
  8. Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
  9. Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
  10. Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
  11. Monitor School Health and Related Services (SHARS) Medicaid ensure billing program and participant lists are updated quarterly.
  12. Monitor District’s special education and 504 management software program.
  13. Collect and enter data for state performance indicators.

Student Management
  1. Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.
  2. Model appropriate techniques for staff regarding the management of student behavior related to 504 and special education programs.

Policy, Reports, and Law
  1. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
  2. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
  3. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget and Inventory
  1. Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
  2. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
  3. Work with business manager to complete SHARS cost reports.

Personnel Management
  1. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
  2. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations
  1. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
  2. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
  3. Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
  4. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
  5. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of special education support staff.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).  Rarely, may require occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment.
Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress