Special Education Intensive Needs Program Administrator

The Amherst Regional School District is seeking a full time, permanent Special Education Intensive Needs Program Administrator to provide leadership for our intensive needs programs (Kindergarten through age 22). These programs provide direct instruction and related services in special education classrooms while facilitating and supporting inclusiveness in the general education classrooms and the whole school community. Student profiles that are common in the programs are: intellectual disability, autism, including medically complex needs.

Assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication devices are used with frequency in these programs. The program staff includes special education teachers, related service providers, BCBAs, and para educators. This administrator works closely with the building administrators and the Student Services Office.

The following responsibilities, skills, training and experience include but are not limited to:
Program leadership, development, design and monitoring
Daily monitoring of staffing and collaborating with building administrators to ensure effective staffing on a daily basis
Collaboration with building and central office administrators
Facilitation / chair team chair of effective, collaborative IEP Team meetings
Coordination of transportation, scheduling and staffing of van/bus monitors
Support the writing of IEPs and related IEP documentation
Work closely, collaboratively and effectively with a team of teachers, service providers, and families
Provide leadership for the hiring process of program staff
Supervise and evaluate program staff
Organization and as applicable, provision of professional development to staff
Review and ongoing development of special education curriculum materials and resources designed to support specially designed instruction including course design and effective instructional practices
Work closely with secondary teachers and the transition specialist to support community based programming
Development and oversight of the extended school year program and services for students in the intensive needs programs
Comprehensive understanding of the special education process and Massachusetts Special Education Regulations
Experience working with a diverse population of students
Experience with students with special needs including providing direct instruction and development of effective and meaningful inclusion
Understanding and experience with assistive technology and AAC devices
Understanding of the needs of students with autism
Highly effective executive function skills including being well organized, strong time management and scheduling skills, and able to work independently to meet timelines
Highly effective oral and written communication skills that promote and encourage collaboration with colleagues, families, and other administrators
Strong positive, interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with students, staff, administration and families
Effective family engagement and partnership
Strong ability to multitask and work within a fast paced environment focused on student learning, data collection, and measurable outcomes
Strong student advocacy skills
Highly qualified candidates who are bilingual (Spanish / English) are desirable but not required.
This position is in the district's Administrator Unit and is a 12 month contract.

All candidates must hold a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education License as a Special Education Administrator.