Director of Special Education

Minimum •   Valid State Board of Education license/certificate as determined at the time of appointment.  Qualifications:  •   Previous administrative experience preferred.                        •   Skills in behavioral management substantiated by training and work experience.                        •   Ability to influence the district's cultural environment and implement program options/instructional practices and support services that help students benefit from the educational program.                        •   Adheres to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.                        •   Articulates a clear educational philosophy and sustainable implementation strategy.                        •   Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies and administrative guidelines/procedures.                        •   Embodies high ethical standards/integrity.  Accepts personal responsibility for decisions/conduct.                        •   Exhibits consistent, impartial and resourceful decision-making skills.  Interprets information accurately.  Evaluates options thoroughly.  Develops reasonable solutions to resolve issues.                        •   Maintains a record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.                        •   Meets all mandated health screening requirements.                       Essential             1.  Directs special education services that advance academic progress.  Pursues ongoing  Functions:           program improvements.                        •   Serves as an active member of the management team.  Upholds board policies.  Implements administrative guidelines/procedures.  Upholds applicable local, state and federal laws.                        •   Plans/implements strategies to ensure tasks are completed within required time-frames.                        •   Promotes the district's mission.  Implements a shared vision of learning that supports high-quality district services and advances substantive educational goals.                        •   Encourages innovations.  Analyzes data to improve school operations.                        •   Manages change processes.  Helps develop/implement a district-wide strategic plan.  Delineates time-frames, financial/program resources, and a strategy to accomplish district goals.                        •   Cultivates relationships that promote a strong commitment of public support for the district.                        •   Facilitates staff selection/orientation.  Supervises assigned staff.  Assumes responsibility for the results of duties delegated to staff.  Provides support to improve staff performance.                        •   Provides staff leadership.  Engenders staff enthusiasm/teamwork.  Helps resolve problems.                        •   Implements state mandated and locally developed personnel assessment programs.                        •   Participates in collaborative planning of staff development/in-service training activities.                        •   Serves on local professional growth committees as directed.                        •   Keeps current with state standards/guidelines.  Manages the instructional program.  Promotes academic excellence in a nurturing environment.  Facilitates the development of curriculum guides/courses of study.  Evaluates and recommends instructional materials.                        •   Coordinates the "child find" activities.                        •   Develops strategies to improve student attendance and active participation/performance in school.                        •   Disseminates program information (e.g., pamphlets, newsletters, web-based notices, etc.).                        •   Assists with enrollment and withdrawal procedures.  Monitors attendance rates.  Consults with staff to identify students struggling academically.  Investigates student/family concerns.                        •   Helps staff resolve problems that impede student participation in appropriate learning activities.                        •   Coordinates Individual Education Plans (IEPs) development/review processes.  Attends IEP meetings as the District Rep and/or coordinates the attendance of a District Rep at IEP meetings in the event of schedule conflicts.                        •   Helps ensure that assessment instruments/procedures support non-biased planning activities.                        •   Implements protocols to safeguard student information shared with staff and/or referral sources.                        •   Complies with federal/state guidelines for the education of students identified as having a disability.  Ensures that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.                        •   Plans/implements student intervention strategies that produce tangible evidence-based benefits within specified time-frames.  Evaluates service outcomes.                        •   Facilitates student/family referrals to community services (e.g., legal, health, social services, etc.)  Serves as a district contact person for public agencies and an intermediary for parents/staff.   •  Oversee student enrollment in alternative programs and out-of-district placements.  Serves as a liaison to chartered non-public schools.  Oversees the development of IEPs for Scholarship Program Students (e.g., Jon Peterson Program, Autism Scholarship Program).                        •   Assists with state-mandated testing programs as it relates to special education students.  Maintains test security.  Analyzes test results.  Provides leadership for instructional modifications/interventions that enhance student learning.                            2.  Exemplifies professionalism that advances the district's public image.                        •   Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers.  Functions as part of a cohesive team.                        •   Encourages community participation in school-sponsored activities.                        •   Helps students understand/embrace ethical conduct and democratic values.                        •   Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.                        •   Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.                        •   Provides leadership for the continuous advancement of academic standards.                        •   Respects privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.                        •   Shows an active interest in the personal development of all staff/students.                        •   Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.                        •   Sustains an effective and positive work/learning environment.                        •   Takes advantage of opportunities to promote district programs.                          3.  Maintains open/effective communications.                        •   Communicates district objectives and program performance expectations to stakeholders.                        •   Coordinates staff meetings, conferences and other required school activities.                        •   Interprets district policy.  Serves as an information resource for program/procedure changes.                        •   Prepares/maintains accurate records.  Submits required paperwork on time. Returns emails and phone calls in a timely manner.                        •   Provides prompt notification of personal delays or absences.                        •   Uses active listening and problem-solving techniques to resolve questions/concerns tactfully.                        •   Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.  Respects diversity                          4.  Pursues opportunities to enhance professional performance.                        •   Keeps current with technology and other skills associated with work assignments.                        •   Maintains applicable credentials.  Complies with all state licensure requirements.                        •   Works toward mastery of individualized development/performance goals as directed.                          5.  Takes precautions to ensure safety.                        •   Intervenes to prevent/stop bullying and/or inappropriate student behavior.                        •   Monitors safety concerns.  Works with stakeholders to manage/eliminate risks.  Helps update/implement the district's emergency preparedness/crisis response plan.                        •   Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.                        •   Responds to emergencies.  Serves as a liaison to community services (e.g., police, fire, etc.).                        •   Upholds the student conduct code.  Maintains high expectations for appropriate student behavior.                        •   Watches for situations that may indicate a problem.  Initiates action to manage/eliminate risks.                        •   Works with staff/students to address equipment safety/security issues.                            6.  Performs other specific job-related duties directed.                        •   Serves as District Title IX Coordinator and Homeless Liaison.  Must have or be willing to obtain proper certification/training.                        •   Assists with unexpected/urgent situations as needed.                        •   Manages workplace initiatives that improve productivity and advance district goals. Working               Safety is essential to job performance.  Employees must exercise caution and comply with Conditions:          standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:                        •   Balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, or standing.                        •   Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.                        •   Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.                        •   Interacting with aggressive, disruptive and/or unruly individuals.                        •   Lifting, carrying and moving work-related supplies/equipment.                        •   Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.                        •   Traveling to meetings and work assignments.