Assistant Director of Special Education

General Job Function: The Assistant Director shall have district-wide responsibility for programs and services included in the student services department. Such programs and services include special education, Section 504 compliance, social work services, psychological services, coordination of student hearings, homebound instruction, school safety plans, and advises policy revision and development in the areas of Student Services. Provides appropriate educational programs and services to individuals with disabilities 2 to 21 years of age within the parameters of the federal law, New Mexico law, Public Education Department and EPS Board Policy. Assistant Director will assist ELL students in need of services within the department and oversee the preschool programs and extended school year (ESY) program for special needs students.

Education/Training/Experience:

Minimum: Master’s degree in Educational Administration with emphasis in administration, organization curriculum development, supervision leadership, and finance. Valid New Mexico Level lll Teacher’s License and a valid New Mexico Administrator’s License. Five (5) years of prior teaching experience.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of elementary and secondary best instructional practices. Knowledge of IDEA regulations and the educational process gained through directly related experience and education. Ability to form and maintain good working relationships with teachers and administrators throughout the district. Ability to make autonomous and independent decisions within a framework of broadly stated policy guidelines, precedents, specialized knowledge and prior research. Demonstrated organizational, communication, management and interpersonal skills required to achieve the goals of the positions.

Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to):

Standard office equipment. Basic Office Computer program abilities. (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google, Publisher)

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; communicate verbally and electronically; reach with hands and arms; stand and move throughout the building and/or to other facilities, and drive. Occasionally required to lift and/or exert force of up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Travel to facilities throughout the district is integral to the job.

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinate referral and diagnostic process with the Director.
• Coordinate and oversee the pre-school program, and summer programs for special education students.
• Participate in the selection, and supervision/evaluation of student services staff members.
• Assist with supervising the program elements of the special education classroom.
• Assist with the internal evaluation of programs within Student Services.
• Assist with the development of necessary reports required for state and federal programs and requirements.
• Coordinate professional development and in service training for staff within the Student Services department. (Teachers, Educational Assistants, and Social Workers, etc.)
• Participate in meetings related to student transportation and work with the student transportation department to assist special needs students with appropriate transportation.
• Ensure that appropriate Individual Education Plan (IEP) is designed and implemented with fidelity for all students receiving special education services.
• Ensure IEP’s for students receiving special education services are current and that evaluations and reevaluations are on schedule.
• Assist the Executive Director with the implementation of ancillary services and ESY.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent.
• Support Principals with Special Education programs at site, including teacher evaluations or feedback.
• Help coordinate special education safety plans as it pertains to students with IEP’s
• Serve as a District Advocate to support Building Principals
• Travel through out District as needed to provide on-site support and attend meetings
• Participate in District Wellness Policy.
• Other duties as assigned

Personal Accountability:

• Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
• Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
• Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
• Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
• Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special application to include the student information system (SIS)
• Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment.
• Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.