DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for managing special education programs and services for children with special needs. Under administrative supervision from the Director of Maternal and Child Health, the Director develops policies and procedures and facilitates programs to serve children with special needs in Onondaga County. Supervision is exercised over a number of subordinate employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Reviews, implements and manages contracts with special education programs and services, therapeutic providers and transportation companies throughout Onondaga County.

Develops policies and facilitate programs to best serve the needs of children from birth to 5 with developmental delays and/or educational needs that ensure appropriate and coordinated services are available for eligible children as defined by New York State Education Law and Public Health Law for Preschool and Early Intervention. Monitors the effectiveness of services provided to children with special needs.

Provides technical assistance on matters of legislation, regulation and policy to local school districts, provider agencies, itinerant professionals and families.

Acts as a liaison with State Education Department and State Department of Health on program monitors, reimbursement issues and regulatory developments.

Supervises subordinate professional, paraprofessional and clerical employees.

Administers and controls a large budget in conjunction with the Health Department and the Division of Management and Budget.

Facilitates community collaboration and is an active member of many Onondaga County special education and children groups.

Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned.

Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of Preschool, Special Education and Early Intervention legislation and regulation.

Good knowledge of current special education practices for young children.

Good knowledge of procedures and assessments to determine education needs of individual children.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Working knowledge of program planning and evaluation and budget forecasting.

Ability to assess the educational needs of individual children and recommend the services commensurate with the child's developmental level.

Ability to supervise, motivate and evaluate program staff.

Ability to effective deal with professional staff, public officials, community programs and interested parties.

Ability to interpret and understand complex oral and written directives.

Ability to collate, analyze and interpret information, and prepare moderately detailed numerical and financial reports.

Ability to communicate program services, goals and policies to individuals and groups in order to stimulate their interest and participation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive:

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Nursing or Education and four (4) years of full-time, or its part-time equivalent, professional-level work experience in public health, public administration, special education, early childhood or elementary education, at least two (2) years of which must have involved the administration of a public health or education program.