• Identifies and implements practices which lead to effective education and services for student with special needs, in compliance with federal and state regulations and district policy
• Develops and monitors the budget for the Special Services department
• Oversees Medicaid billing and compliance
• Supervises the assessment and annual review process for students with special needs
• Facilitates Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team decisions regarding appropriate services and student placement within or outside the district
• Ensures availability of staff and materials resources to meet identified student needs
• Establishes a collaborative culture with staff, parents/guardians and students focused on student achievement
• Collaborates with district staff to identify student assessment methods with measurable outcomes
• Monitors student progress and works collaboratively with district Administrators to implement special education programs, monitor the Response-to-Intervention (RTI) process, develop coordinated special education services and conduct program reviews
• Recommends and provides in-service training for the special services and general education staff regarding new legal mandates and best practices
• Oversees the completion and maintenance of special education records and reports in compliance with federal and state regulations and district policy
• Fields inquiries, complaints and concerns from parents/guardians, district personnel and the Board
• Recruits, hires and trains special education department staff, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations and district policy
• Collaborates with Administrators in the interviewing and hiring process for district special education teachers
• Determines needs for program modification and new programs and services in accordance with federal and state legislation
• Supervises and evaluates School Psychologists, School Nurse, Speech & Language Pathologists, department assistant, and others as assigned
• Encourages leadership and professional growth among department staff
• Develops educational programs for families and community related to special education initiatives
• Provides ongoing feedback and support to staff regarding implementation of data-driven instruction
• Models professional, ethical and respectful behavior
• Communicates effectively with district’s internal and external stakeholders
• Seeks out potential partnerships with groups and organizations with the intent of addressing student/program needs
• Maintains compliance with Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators and Board policy
• Maintains compliance with the LA State Department of Education Special Education Manual
• Communicates changes in the State Special Education Manual to the Board of Trustees, Superintendent and other district staff
• Seeks opportunities for, and participates in, professional development
• Makes provisions for being available to students and parents/guardians for education-related purposes outside instructional time when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Performs any and all other duties as deemed necessary by the Superintendent

Other Duties and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Maintains membership in professional organizations
• Administers all procedures related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Assists in the interpretation and application of district policy
• Provides support and resources for teachers to implement differentiated instructional strategies

• Master’s Degree in Education

• 5 years’ teaching and/or educational administration experience, or a combination

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, LA Administrator Credential with endorsement as Director, Special Education or Education Leader • Extensive knowledge of Individualized Education Plans and Response to Intervention

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences

• Ability to maintain collaborative environment when faced with individuals in crisis

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• The noise level for this position is usually moderate.

• The employee may be subjected to frequent interruption, along with consistent and changing deadlines.

• Employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

• Employee is occasionally subjected to physical and verbal confrontation

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Frequently required to sit, stand and walk.

• Frequently required to talk and hear.

• Requires ability to utilize standard office equipment including telephone, computer, fax and copy machine.

• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, reach with hands and arms.

• Frequently requires visual acuity for close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds