Assistant Director of Special Education (Internal Only)

(Internal Only)

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assists in directing the District's Special Education program to ensure provision of needed services for students with disabilities. Also works to provide individualized programs to meet the needs of all students with disabilities and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Certification Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited university
• Texas mid-management or other Texas certificate and/or licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology by the Texas State Board of Examiner of Psychologists
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of federal, state and district policies, procedures and regulations regarding special education and students with disabilities
• Familiarity with the district’s instructional programs in general and special education, as well as services available to students with disabilities
• Knowledge of the curriculum, grades K-12
• Knowledge of various special education eligibility conditions and the challenges to learning of each
• Ability to develop and implement training
• Basic computer skills
• Strong organizational skills (written and oral) skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents
• Ability to adjust to and be flexible in a multitude of situations

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years teaching or working in a public school system

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

• Coordinate and supervise the instructional program in special education, including curriculum, materials, and staff
• Provide leadership and direction to principals and teachers in developing and implementing plans for instructional improvement in all areas of special education programs
• Establish procedures for placement, evaluation, assignment, and reappraisal of students with regard to the special education services
• Provide programs to supplement regular classroom instruction for those students with learning or visual disabilities
• Serve as resource person for the Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee as needed
• Serve as liaison between regular education and special education
• Ensure that department goals and objectives are developed with the involvement of specialists, teachers, parents, and/or students, when appropriate
• Ensure special education staff supports positive climate on assigned campuses
• Provide leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs
• Evaluate existing programs on an ongoing basis, and recommends changes and additions as needed
• Assist in recruitment and selection of special education personnel
• Evaluate support staff using district appraisal system and/or the Districts approved teacher appraisal system as appropriate
• Confer with assigned staff to discuss performance, jointly develop improvement objectives, and identify professional development and training opportunities
• Select and supervise contracted services as needed for support of the special education program
• Provide leadership in litigation situations involving students with disabilities
• Develop budget recommendations and provides expenditure control for special education
• Ensure that federal and state laws and regulations concerning the education of students with disabilities are observed
• Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents required
• Develop and maintain complete and cumulative individual records of all children enrolled in special education
• Supervise preparation of attendance reports and similar data necessary for the reimbursement of funds
• Maintain a permanent inventory of equipment purchased for special education and approves supplies, materials and equipment used by special education personnel
• Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for eligible students and individuals with disabilities receiving services outside of the district
• Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of physical facilities for students with disabilities
• Consult with parents of students enrolled in the special education program regarding discipline, program objectives, etc.
• Ensure that the rules and procedures for the discipline of special education students are effective and conform to federal and state laws and local policy
• Serve as liaison between district and other agencies serving children with disabilities
• Participate in meetings, conferences and workshops related to the administration of the special education program
• Recommend staff development activities for district personnel regarding concepts, services, and technologies related to optimal educational opportunities for students with disabilities
• Observe professional ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Texas Education Agency code of ethics
• Is the primary contact for the MAC and SHARS programs
• Plan and implement staff development programs and in-service activities for special education personnel
• It is the primary contact for the MAC and SHARS programs
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of personnel rules, regulations, and practices
• Must complete designated district technology proficiency each year
• Requires a basic knowledge of technology/computer skills
• Ability to use personal computer to access district programs, emails, and other resources
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise and evaluate performance of assigned Special Education staff.

Equipment Used:

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds

Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.