Director Of Special Education

Director of Special Education

Contract: 260 Days, Salary Exempt

Salary: $110,000 with consideration for experience, education and training. Highly competitive compensation and benefits.

Reports to: Superintendent

Supervises: Special Education Clerks

Description:

The special education director is a senior leadership position serving as a cabinet officer in the organization. The director is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the district's special education, MTSS and 504 programs. The director plans, implements, and supervises programs to ensure the provision of quality education and support services to students with special needs as required by law.

Requirements:

• Valid Indiana Director of Special Education license preferred (Valid Indiana administrator license)

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in educational administration and special education or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Prior special education teaching experience is strongly preferred

• Strong knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations affecting special education and 504 programming

• Knowledge of best practice in special education, MTSS and 504 processes

• Skill in working with diverse individuals and handling situations with tact, diplomacy, and discretion

• Ability to build strong teams to meet performance goals

• Must pass a criminal background check per district policy.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plans and implements special education program goals and objectives for preschool through grade twelve while maintaining awareness of current laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to specific programs

• Applies appropriate techniques to ensure that all students with exceptional needs are appropriately identified, assessed, and provided appropriate education programs and services designed to meet their unique needs

• Advises and collaborates with building and central office administrators regarding special education, 504s and MTSS programs

• Collaborates with the Director of the GLASS cooperative and other cooperative employees and partner schools and programs

• Communicates information regarding programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents/guardians, and community members

• Serves as the district representative/public agency representative for IEP meetings when needed

• Monitors IEPS for compliance with Article 7 and Indiana Department of Education guidelines

• Facilitates and/or participates in complaints, mediation, and due process with the Indiana Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights pertaining to students with disabilities

• Conducts ongoing needs assessments, collects and analyzes data, uses pertinent data to refine and improve the operational functions and services of special education program initiatives

• Serves as the Indiana IEP system manager for the district (liaison between all buildings and state system)

• Recommends and manages the budget for special education programs to include applying and overseeing special education grants

• Assists in the development of policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines related to special education

• Oversees all reporting and compliance, including preparation and submission of all reports and data for federal, state, and district monitoring of special education

• Supervises all activities related to Medicaid claiming and reimbursement as needed

• Prepares timely and accurate documentation and reports data to the Indiana Department of Education

• Provides relevant staff development for special and general education personnel

• Participates in the selection of personnel for the special education department

• Serves as the custodian for special education records

• Analyzes and secures contracted services and outside placements as needed and provides oversight

• Provides clear and consistent expectations to special education staff while working collaboratively to meet the unique needs of the students

• Coordinates district de-escalation and restraint training annually

• Directly supervises and evaluates assigned staff per the district's evaluation plan

• Demonstrates a commitment to an overall efficient and effective special education working environment

• Engages in ongoing professional development to stay knowledgeable of state and federal legal requirements for special education programs

• Consults with legal council as appropriate and maintains excellent communication with the superintendent in legal matters

• Attends training, staff meetings, and district meetings to stay abreast of changing developments and policies

• Maintains positive professional relationships with staff, students, parents/guardians, and administrators

• Maintains confidentiality and a need-to-know policy with regards to staff and student information

• Completes safety training and drills to remain knowledgeable of responsibilities in the event of an emergency

• Remains knowledgeable of procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect

• Complies with all district policies and procedures

• Other duties as assigned by the superintendent

Essential Qualifications:

• Valid Indiana administrator license

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in educational administration and special education or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Prior special education teaching experience is preferred

• Strong knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations affecting special education programming

• Skill in working with diverse individuals and handling situations with tact, diplomacy, and discretion

• Ability to build strong teams to meet performance goals

• Must pass a criminal background check per district policy

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally sitting for extended periods of time

• Walking and standing regularly

• Many situations require hand motion, e.g., computer keyboard, typing, writing

• Continually listening and speaking to exchange information

• Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus

• The employee occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, and pulls up to 20 pounds

Environmental Conditions:

• Works in a school building around others

• The noise level is generally low

• Work can extend beyond the normal workday

• The employee has an average risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids/tissues and communicable diseases

• Occasional interaction among unruly students/adults is possible