What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Special Programs position at District Wide?
Assistant Director of Special Programs
Position Type: Administration – Special Education
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Location: Central Office
General Description
Dedham Public Schools seeks an Assistant Director of Special Programs to support the design, coordination, and continuous improvement of special education services across the district.
This role oversees out-of-district (OOD) placements and caseload management, while advancing in-district program development, early intervention systems, and professional learning that builds staff capacity to deliver high-quality Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in inclusive settings.
The Assistant Director also provides flexible leadership support across Student Services, balancing program development, regulatory requirements, and student-centered decision-making.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Out-of-District (OOD) Coordination & Oversight
- Manage the district’s OOD caseload, including placement coordination, monitoring, and communication with providers and families
- Identify and secure appropriate placements aligned with student needs
- Chair and coordinate TEAM meetings related to OOD placements (initial, annual, and re-evaluations)
- Monitor student progress, attendance, and program effectiveness
- Support transitions to less restrictive environments when appropriate
- Maintain records related to placements, tuition, timelines, and Circuit Breaker reimbursement
- Ensure compliance with state and federal special education requirements related to placement, timelines, and documentation
In-District Program Development & Pre-OOD Intervention
- Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and school teams to design and implement pre-referral and pre-OOD interventions
- Support development and refinement of in-district programs and services to increase capacity and inclusion
- Assist teams in implementing evidence-based interventions and SDI
- Promote alignment with UDL, MTSS, and inclusive practices
- Analyze referral and placement trends to inform program development
Professional Learning & Instructional Leadership
- Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent and ETLs to design and deliver high-quality, job-embedded professional learning
- Focus on Least Restrictive Environments through SDI, inclusive practices, and UDL
- Support teams in translating professional learning into classroom practice and service delivery
- Use data (referrals, OOD trends, student outcomes) to target professional learning and build in-district capacity
General Student Services Support
- Provide leadership support across Student Services initiatives, including:
- Students experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento)
- Foster care placements and transitions
- Complex case consultation and crisis response
- Preventative and wraparound programming aligned with the district’s system of care
- Support district compliance efforts, including timelines, documentation, and preparation for audits or reviews
Other Responsibilities
- Participate in department and district meetings
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Qualifications
- Massachusetts licensure as a Special Education Administrator
- Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, procedures, and compliance
- Experience with OOD placements and program development preferred
- Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills