Assistant Director of Special Education

About Us : Founded in 1964 by J. Arthur Trudeau and his wife Evelyn, the programs and supports made available throughout the years were predicated on his belief that individuals with disabilities should enjoy a full range of activities and life experiences. For over 60 years, The J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center has served as the area’s leading provider of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Trudeau is one of the few human service organizations serving individuals at all life stages people throughout Rhode Island and surrounding areas in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Our employees are committed to assisting individuals and family members to create paths that build self-esteem, self-determination and the pursuit and enjoyment of life's activities. Our Mission The Trudeau Center provides high quality, comprehensive person-centered services for the people we support and their families. We encourage all people to achieve their full potential and to live their dreams. Through inclusive, evidence-based practices we ensure compassion, dignity, and respect with the assistance of caring and dedicated staff members. The Role The Assistant Director of Special Education a vital position that ensures the effective delivery of special education services, compliance with regulations, and the overall improvement of educational outcomes for students within the Pathways Strategic Teaching Center (PSTC) of the Trudeau Center. This position reports directly to the Director of Specialized Services. Key Responsibilities and Essential Duties: PROGRAM LEADERSHIP Assist the Director of Specialized Services in carrying out all local, state, and federal regulatory responsibilities required and maintaining compliance with Federal and State regulations and orders of the Court, including but not limited to the coordination of the development of Individual Education Plans for students referred for services Maintain positive communication with parents/guardians, agency representatives, administration and colleagues Work collaboratively with program leadership; supervise and coach special education teachers by visiting classrooms to observe instruction, model effective instructional practices, provide support and feedback Evaluate special education services and make recommendations for program improvements Assist in training, monitoring treatment integrity, and program evaluation Provide training and consultation to local educational agencies and families, as directed Assist in the implementation of inclusion activities in public schools and other school sites Respond to crisis situations as needed and assist staff in implementing crisis management procedures Prepare reports in preparation for transition and for presentation at IEP meetings and reviews Maintain communication with clinical staff and administration regarding all issues pertaining to students Actively maintain all necessary documentation for ongoing case management, as needed SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Evaluate special educational personnel (supervisory educators and teaching staff) and conduct employee performance evaluations and performance improvement plans, as needed Provide professional development to special education team, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support students effectively Participate in and conduct staff training to include modeling of best practices Assist with the development, modification, and implementation of individual student educational programs (Individualized Education Plans- IEPs) according to state guidelines Study, evaluate, and recommend adoption of new teaching aids and materials to improve instruction Assist in planning the implementation of literacy programs and behavior intervention models to support the alignment of citywide learning standards with effective teaching practices across the school Contribute to the development of behavior intervention plans for individual students and assist the behavior analysts with assessments and observations Coordinate with Lead Behavior Analysts to provide teachers and behavioral analysts in the development and maintenance of behavior analytic measurement systems for individual student goals and objectives, in both adaptive skill areas and problem behavior areas Coordinate development of curriculum, instruction, and assessment and evaluate the same Other duties as assigned Experience and Expertise Master’s degree in special education, social worker or other related degree program Ability to achieve/maintain Administrative Certification for Special Education with the RI Department of Education. Ability to achieve/maintain certification in program-approved crisis management system Minimum of three years of professional education experience in teaching Special Education, as a Speech and Language Pathologist, School Social Worker and/or School Psychologist Demonstrated experience with case management and student/family support Able to pass agency background check requirements Competency Requirements Proficient in Microsoft Suite (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams). Demonstrated knowledge of special education regulations related to 504 and IEP services under the IDEA Grant and contractual tuition management Skills in effective communication with parents and community-based officials Experience developing individual child curriculum Understanding of behavior analytic teaching practices and behavioral/educational measurement Work Location and Conditions This position is located at: Pathways Strategic Teaching Center - 75 Centre of New England Blvd, Coventry, RI 02816 The standard work hours for this position: M-F, 8:00A – 4:00P, EST Except in unique circumstances, employees complete work in-person, at their designated job site. Office settings may include direct interaction with students, participants and team members. Daily use of computers, phones, and office technology may be required. Work may extend into public school and/or community settings, requiring travel between locations. Must be able to work in an intense, fast paced environment. Must be able to work with children in such a way as involves physical contact (particularly when there is a child safety need). Rapid movement (sometimes running) to address safety needs of the children and staff may be required. Compensation and Benefits: Base Wage: TBD FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: No Benefit Eligible: Yes Pay Schedule: Bi-weekly