Director of Special Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Year: 251 Days

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director of Academic and Personal Success

SUPERVISES: Physical Therapist, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, District BCBA, SWAP Coordinator, GT Coordinator, Homebound Teacher, and Manager of Special Services

ASSISTS IN THE SUPERVISION: Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Special Service Providers including Speech / Language Specialists, Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists.

Summary Of Job Description

Responsible for leading and overseeing special education, Section 504, and Gifted and Talented within the school district. Designs, develops, implements, delivers and progress monitors the special services programs determined appropriate for students; evaluates programs, services, and personnel as assigned in accordance with district policies and procedures. Serves as Director of Record of Special Education.

Essential Job Elements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required of the position. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In partnership with the Executive Director of Academic and Personal Success, set and implement the district vision for special education, Section 504, and Gifted and Talented.

In collaboration with the building principal, provide oversight, coaching, and technical and programmatic assistance to special education teachers and special service providers.

Plan and implement the training of teachers and support personnel in the provision of appropriate educational and related services including IEP requirements, transition, and State and Federal law.

Provide program implementation research, identification and implementation support and guidance across the district and individual schools in the area of Special Education, 504, and Gifted and Talented.

Lead Dispute Resolution processes including state complaints, mediation, and due process.

Serve as the hiring manager for Special Service Providers and contracts with organizations for services when applicable.

Provide support and collaboration to buildings on student issues including facilitation and participation in manifestation meetings, expulsion hearings and other district, school or parent meetings.

Work with building principals, leadership teams and/or teachers in order to facilitate the process for adopting, implementing and monitoring a high quality district special education program plan including assessment, instruction, professional development, and program evaluation.

Serve as the District’s 504 compliance officer and leads staff through the implementation of 504 referral, evaluation, and implementation.

Support implementation of mental health and behavioral supports across the system as appropriate.

Remain current on instructional strategies/models and provide professional development to support staff development and student growth.

Assist in the observation and evaluation of other program staff members as requested.

Participate as applicable with State and local networks.

Implement and monitor Board policies and all relevant State and Federal statutes, rules and regulations related to Special education, Section 504, and Gifted and Talented.

Work with private schools regarding rules, regulations, requirements and timelines associated with providing services in the area of special education as well as to determine eligibility and provide support in all areas related to an Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Develop and manage the Special Education budget and allocation of all department staff in collaboration with the Executive Director of Academic and Personal Success.

Provide updates to the Board of Education and district leadership regarding special education and other areas as applicable.

Coach and support teachers and special service providers to analyze their teaching to increase student performance in the identified programs above.

Participate in grant writing for federal, state and local funding sources when applicable.

Assist in developing and maintaining positive parent and community relations including facilitating the District Special Ed Partnership Committee in collaboration with the Child Find Coordinator.

Coordinate collecting and compiling data, completing records and reports required by Local, State and Federal regulations, CDE and private schools. These reports include but are not limited to Dec.1 Count, End of the Year Report, and Yearly Report of Discipline Incidents of Students with Disabilities.

Collaborate with CDE and other Administrative Units regarding program structure and services, including the sharing of staff between Administrative Units.

Demonstrate the commitment to build and maintain a safe, fair and respectful working and learning environment that honors the cultural diversity of students and staff.

Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTACTS: Staff members, Board of Education, professional organizations and associations, community agencies, general public, private schools, vendors, representatives of the County, State and Federal government, media and other school districts.

Qualifications

• Colorado Administrator - Special Education Director issued by the Colorado Department of Education required. (Or the ability to obtain a TEE)
• Completion of an approved Educational Administration program with a special education focus is required.
• Successful work experience as a special education teacher, related services provider, or special education administrator
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Special Education laws and strategies for inclusion.