Special Education Director

Job Title: Special Education Director
Category: Administration

JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
Under the direction of the Superintendent, plans, organizes and directs Special Education programs and Student Services programs; assists in the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of special education and Student Services related operational policies and regulations; maintains student files and records; assures compliance with applicable district rules and policies, and State and Federal laws, IDEA, codes and regulations; supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; and conducts other related duties as directed.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Identifies, plans, and establishes goals and objectives related to the Special Education and Student Services programs district wide.
Assists in identifying instructional priorities for development/improvement of special programs.
Provides leadership and guidance to promote high expectations and standards for quality teaching and learning of students with special needs.
Provides departmental leadership that promotes collaborative planning, innovative thinking and exemplary programs and services.
Coordinates and directs professional development activities related to Special Education and Student Services.
Makes recommendations related to Board policies in the area of Special Education and Student Services to assure compliance with the law.
Works with districts to facilitate the design, coordination, development, establishment, and implementation of assessment procedures that produce accountability for achievement of students with special needs.
Supervises, directs, and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel.
Evaluates and improves continuum of services for students with special needs, evaluation processes and IEP/IFSP and 504 procedures.
Represents the District and serves as liaison between the district and educational partners as directed.
Attends Board meetings and prepares Board agenda items; presents reports and provides technical counsel to the Board as requested by the Superintendent.
Develops and monitors department budgets, and other budgets as may be assigned.
Responds to and resolves complaints related to students/staff complaint procedures.
Prepares reports and makes recommendations related to personnel needs and projections; and completes questionnaires and surveys related to Special Education and Student Services.
Coordinates services provided to students and their families.
Attends and conducts meetings, state and regional conferences and workshops to remain current in all issues relating to student services issues.
Prepares documentation related to Special Education program monitoring.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Knowledge of:

Principles, trends, methods, strategies, practices, and procedures pertaining to Special Education and Student Services, including instruction, assessment, and resource allocations.
State and Federal educational program requirements.
Special Education, Student Services programs and laws, codes, rules, and regulations related to areas of responsibility.
Legal mandates, applicable sections of the Education Code, District policies and regulations, laws, practices and procedures, and financial and statistical record-keeping techniques.
Effective personnel management principles.
Effective communication and public and human relations strategies, methods, and techniques.
Effective classroom, behavioral and instructional practices

Ability to:

Plan, organize, direct, and manage a comprehensive student and educational services system.
Assure compliance with applicable district policies, regulations, rules and procedures and State and Federal laws, codes, and regulations.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing including preparation and delivery of oral presentations.
Maintain confidentiality of records and privileged communications.
Accurately interpret and administer legal mandates, policies, and regulations.
Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Effectively serve as a resource to the Superintendent, administration and employees pertaining to Special Education and Student Services related issues.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of groups and individuals.
Train, supervise and evaluate assigned staff.
Prepare, administer, and monitor assigned budgets.
Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Work independently with little direction.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Operate a computer terminal to enter data, maintain records and generate reports.
Plan, coordinate and provide staff training.
Provide leadership and stability for continuity of services.
Coach, encourage and provide personal growth opportunities for assigned personnel
Drive a vehicle to carry out duties and responsibilities of the position.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
Five years' experience in a special education administrative position, including student and educational management or similar fields.
Master's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in education administration, special education, student services, or other closely related area(s)
Oregon Administration License or the ability to obtain an Oregon Administration License.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position must perform in carrying out essential job functions.
Persons performing services in this position classification will frequently exert 25 - 50 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
This type of work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping from brief periods of time to lengthy periods of time.
Persons performing services in this position classification will incur frequent interruptions and work in a high-pressure environment.
Essential job functions include Perceiving the nature of sound; near and far visual acuity; depth perception; providing oral and written communication; ability to speak and project voice in either an enclosed or open area; manual dexterity to handle and work with various materials, objects, and equipment; driving a motor vehicle; and the ability to perform a variety of physical activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The employee may work beyond an eight-hour day or a five-day work week attending meetings, conferences, and school activities. The employee needs to be competent in conflict resolution. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in confrontational and emotional situations involving staff, students, parents and patrons. Confidentiality is a top priority for the persons in this position.

The employee at times works under varied workloads and inflexible deadlines. Problems may arise which require immediate attention setting up conflicting priorities. Sound judgment is required to effectively prioritize these demands.

The employee must be able to lift materials, boxes or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

The employee may need to participate with others in lifting/moving equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

The employee needs to be able to participate with one other employee in lifting students weighing up to 120 pounds, if the student's protocol permits. All lifting and transferring of students should be done in accordance with approved protocols

The employee may come into contact with biohazards such as human waste, saliva, and blood and should take appropriate protective precautions

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Terms of Employment: 240 days
Salary: $118,794 - 139,186 yr DOE

This Full-Time position is eligible for, retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, term life disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and much more!

A fingerprint-based criminal history investigation will be required.

South Coast ESD is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal and state statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap or marital status.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or disabilities.