Director of Student Services

Essential Functions of the Job: The Director of Student Services is responsible for organizing, planning, directing, and supervising all student services, including, but not limited to, special education, guidance and counseling, nursing, home-schooling, Title IX, Civil Rights, out-of-district placements, and 504 accommodations. Qualifications: Required Master’s in Education Administration or advanced graduate study in Special Education or a related field MA DESE license as a Special Education Administrator MA DESE certified acceptable CORI, SORI, DCF, and fingerprint report as determined by the Superintendent Significant knowledge and experience with federal and state special education and other applicable disability and health-related laws and regulations Familiarity with best practices in the delivery of special education services Understanding of and commitment to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, belonging, and social justice as they relate to our students, staff, and community Ten years experience in education with at least five in the area of Special Education Preferred Minimum 3 years of relevant administrative experience Experience in supervision and evaluation Experience in developing and implementing professional development for educators Skills: - Goal-oriented and skilled in the development and evaluation of special education programs - Strong interpersonal skills - Outstanding written and verbal communication skills - Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, supportive environment - Organized and able to meet ongoing, time-sensitive deadlines for work production Performance Responsibilities: - Coordinates the compliance of all special education, ELL, Early Childhood, Title I/II, 504 and Home School programs in the district, as well as Civil Rights, Bullying and Harassment, Discrimination Related policies and regulations. - Supervise and coordinate special education services - Plan and supervise the development of program curricula - Arranges with neighboring school districts, collaboratives, or private approved special education programs, for the education of those disabled students who cannot be adequately served in the local district. - Ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations - Manage legal matters within departmental purview - Maintain special education student records - Works with public and private agencies, organizations, and professional personnel in securing and providing services for students. - Collaborate with principals regarding supervision and evaluation of special education personnel - Develops budget recommendations and provides expenditure control on established budgets for pupil services. - Assists in the preparation and maintains any necessary SPED/ELL student records. Any Pupil Service related financial reports and program reviews that are required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education related to SPED/ELL/Title 1 etc. - Evaluates, on an ongoing basis, the special education/ELL and T1 program, curriculum and procedures. - Apply for and administer all competitive and entitlement grants attached to the Special Education Department - Develop and manage department budgets - Provide oversight of special education transportation - Coordinate and serve as liaison with social service agencies, courts, clinical personnel, and hospitals - Exercises general supervision of the identification, referral, program planning and delivery process for all students in need of services provided through Pupil Services. - Support and collaborate with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council - Serve as 504 Coordinator and Homeless Coordinator - Coordinate hospital tutoring - Assists the principal/vice principal with the discipline of special education students. Develops alternative discipline strategies with principal/vice principal and special education staff. - Ensures Compliance for the implementation and adherence to all Pupil Service, School Committee policies and procedures. - Oversee homeschooling processes - Assists building principals in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of Pupil Service personnel. - Serves as Title IX/Chapter 622/Civil Rights/504/ and Home School Coordinator, Homeless Liaison, and E.L.L. Coordinator. - Supervises preparation of attendance reports and similar data necessary to reimbursement of funds, collecting of tuition for out-of-district students, and similar uses - Supervises the screening process for preschool and kindergarten age pupils. - Provides coordination and staff reporting for Medicaid reimbursement. - Acts as a Mandated Reporter (Chapter 119, Section 51A). - Complies with the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Policy. - Any other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent. Personnel Management: - Provide leadership and work effectively with all staff to provide programs that meet the needs of all students - Recruit and develop high-quality staff - Plan and execute professional development for professional and paraprofessional staff General Administration: - Keep current with research and evidence-based practices - Participate in School Committee and other applicable town meetings, as needed - Assume other duties as may be assigned Supervisory Responsibilities: - Assists building principals with the supervision of special education instructional and support staff Selection Guidelines: - Formal application - Rating of education and experience - Interviews - Reference check - The Superintendent reserves the right to re-advertise any and all positions. All “anticipated” positions are subject to cancellation or change. Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their formal application, including a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and relevant experience through School Spring.