Timeline for Selection: 

• Position open until filled. Initial interviews begin April 30th. Final interviews anticipated to be May 3rd.

Salary & Benefits:

• 2023/24 salary range is indicated and will be updated when new rates are available
• 28 vacation days 
• 5 personal days
• 12 sick leave days
• $3,000 Technology Stipend
• $2,000 Doctoral Stipend, if applicable
• $2,500 Professional Growth Fund
• Contract year begins July 1
• Health benefits through the state's SEBB program
• Retirement benefits through state Department of Retirement Services

PURPOSE

As a leader and member of the Learning Services department, the Director of Special Education/Student Services is responsible for coordinating Special Education, nursing and Section 504 programs and collaboratively supporting other programs led by the Learning Services team members.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides leadership on inclusionary practices throughout the District.
• Coordinates special education services and supports, including the Early Childhood Special Education preschool and the Adult Transition Program; assures services are aligned with district standards.
• Ensures District compliance with the rules, regulations, legislation, technology, and procedures governing special education and Section 504.
• Provides leadership and professional development to District and school administrators to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Leads the special education department by observing and evaluating the effectiveness of special education services and programs. 
• Demonstrates a commitment to sharing, implementing, and integrating the District’s vision and mission, including a commitment to all students' academic success and learning needs.
• Coordinates the scheduling and work of selected special education staff (ESAs, SLPAs, COTAs, PTAs, school nurses, and administrative assistants).
• Supervises and evaluates the work of selected special education staff.
• Develops a spending plan for Federal and state special education funding dollars, prepares and monitors assigned budgets, and allocates resources to support District programs across all schools.
• Coordinates out-of-district placements, contractual agreements, and agency-related services within Special Education.
• Maintains accurate student and program records and prepares local, state, and federal reports and grant applications.
• Oversees the Child Find process and coordinates services for children attending private schools on Mercer Island.
• Complies with all district policies and monitors compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Facilitates meetings and processes to implement and maintain special education programs and services.
• Works with district administrators to identify current and future program needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Special Education Administrative Assistants
• Special Education TOSAs
• ESAs: Psychologists, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists
• PTAs, SLPAs and COTAs
• Special Education Assistant Director
• BCBAs
• Nursing staff
• Classified special education staff with out-of-building assignments

Qualification Requirements: 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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential 

functions.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in special education or related field and a minimum of five years educational experience in special education or related field with increasing responsibility.
• Valid Washington State Program Administrator’s or Principal’s credential is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to special education and section 504.
• Knowledge of principles, strategies and best practices per training to students with disabilities.
• Successful leadership experience and passion for learning.
• Demonstrated skill in developing and implementing collaborative and effective special education programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum materials and instructional/behavioral techniques.
• Knowledge of fiscal management practices and ability to develop and monitor budgets.
• Ability to work effectively with parents and school staff to build trust and effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse special education population.
• Ability to use good judgment in identifying and responding.
• Demonstrated skills in written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with difficult and disagreeable people.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with all District and state requirements and policies. 
• Position requires frequent meetings beyond the regular business hours and flexible hours.
• High level of organizational skills required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office setting. Position requires frequent meetings beyond regular business hours and flexible hours; frequently required to work with distraught or angry people; required to represent the district to parents, the community or the media on potentially and/or very controversial matters; visual and mental concentration required to analyze and synthesize complex collections of data; high level of organizational skill required; high level of interaction with others through communication; can have heavy meeting schedule; routine interruptions with work can be expected; use of and exposure to computer and visual display terminal for prolonged periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works inside and is exposed to infection (germs, bacteria, viruses).