Director of Student Services

Director of Student Services

Position Purpose

GOAL:

The Director of Student Services’ primary responsibility shall be to develop and maintain a delivery system of services, which shall adequately provide for the special needs of the youth of the Barrington School District. This system shall include appropriate pre-school, elementary, middle school, and high school programs as well as extended programs, which may be appropriate, and in the educational interests of the students. In addition, the Director of Student Services shall provide leadership and counsel in various program components affecting the general student population as defined below.

Essential Functions

A.  CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Responsible for leadership and creativity in the development and maintenance of the following program areas:
• Counseling services
• ESOL services
• Health services (school nurse and related services)
• Home Education instruction
• Home tutoring
• Occupational Therapy services
• Physical Therapy services
• Pre-school program 
• Psychological services
• Section of 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Special Education
• Speech and Hearing services
• Standardized testing services

• Keeps abreast of research findings and current trends and makes such information available to the staff, School Board, and public as appropriate

• Works cooperatively with Building Principals to ensure the efficient and effective articulation between special education programs and personnel and regular education programs and personnel

• Remains well-informed about existing services, programs, and activities external to the system which may be utilized efficiently and effectively to meet student needs

• Service as a member of the Administrative Team

• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of staff development activities designed to improve instruction and the delivery of services; serves as a member of the District’s Professional Development Team

• Coordinates the implementation of the District’s participation in state and local assessments

B.  STUDENT PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

• Provides general supervision over the identification, referral, evaluation, and program planning and implementation for all students with special needs within the Barrington School District
• Provides for School District compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relative to program services
• Works closely with the Building Principals in establishing and implementing procedures for maintaining student records as required by federal and state laws and regulations
• Coordinates the identification of and programming for appropriate pre-school students with special needs
• Provides leadership and coordination for the placement of students in extended year and out-of-district placements as appropriate
• Works with the District’s high school(s) of record special education staff to provide for appropriate programming for high school students with special needs
• Serves as an advocate for children, promoting new programs and service(s), which will address unmet needs
• In the absence of the Superintendent remains available to support and supervise staff and buildings
• Serves as a liaison between the Barrington School District and Dover High School and other high schools, which serve Barrington students.

• Represents the interests of the Barrington School District in courts of law when required in actions involving Barrington students

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• Provides leadership in coordinating the efforts of the staff in identifying and providing appropriate programming for children with special educational needs and works to promote a high level of professional cooperation and teamwork among the staff
• Provides for staff development activities for special service staff and conducts meetings for communication and coordination purposes as necessary
• Works with Building Principals to recruit, screen, interview, and recommend all professional staff
• Evaluates the performance of all evaluation teams and develops strategies for efficient and effective team functioning
• Provides for the organization of evaluation teams and develops strategies for efficient and effective team functioning
• Serve as a member of evaluation teams as local educational agency representative when extended year programs and out-of-district placements are being considered and other cases deemed appropriate
• Provides for staff development activities for regular education staff to support their work with special needs students
• Supervises the work and performance of special needs clerical staff

• Participates in all School Board meetings and other public meetings when requested
• Supports, promotes, and coordinates parent and community involvement in special services and other programs when appropriate
• Works cooperatively with other local and regional agencies, which may have an interest in and/or may provide services to address the special needs of children of the School District
• Prepares annual reports of special needs programs, achievements, and needs as necessary
• Apprises the staff, School Board, parents, and public of special needs programs, achievements and needs, and acts in a public relations capacity as is necessary and appropriate
• Responds to transportation concerns brought forth by parents, the transportation contractor, and/or Building Principals in a timely manner

• Coordinates the preparation of the budget for special needs and works with other personnel to coordinate special needs proposals with other budgetary requests
• Coordinates and directs the management and expenditure of all special needs funds; authorizes all purchases; works closely with Building Principals and the Superintendent as is appropriate
• Provides for accurate accounting and record keeping as mandated by federal and state laws and regulations
• Works with other personnel to provide the School Board with appropriate supporting materials for budgetary requests and to explain budgetary requests at appropriate meetings and hearings
• Confers with grant funding agencies at local, state, and federal levels to coordinate program delivery within stated guidelines
• Works with staff to solicit assistance from state, federal, and private sources, which will reduce the town’s tax burden and/or improve the quality of the educational program relative to program service 
• Coordinates transportation services for all students including special needs students which require special arrangements

• Provides the administrative and management services required by collaborative contracts and serves as the agent of the Superintendent on advisory councils for collaborating

• Works with the Superintendent in the administration of the transportation contract 

• Works with the transportation contractor to establish bus routes and schedules and coordinate transportation services

MANAGERIAL STYLE

• Accurately maintains a calendar and schedule at the SAU and is able to account to the Superintendent as to his/her schedule.
• Maintains effective lines of communication with the SAU Office such that the office is aware of his/her work activities during the day.
• Accurately accounts for her time spent for the District when outside of the office.
• Attends and participates in regional workshops and other meetings dealing with special needs and attends regional and state meetings held for the purpose of assisting special needs administrators in improving their skills, programs, and services
• Attends and participates in meetings, workshops, conferences, coursework, and professional reading to remain abreast of educational trends, programs, and practices in the field of special needs.
• Sets annual and multi-annual goals for continuous improvement of program services
• Keeps the Building Principals, Superintendent, and School Board informed on all vital matters, including but not limited to laws and regulations, special circumstances and issues, and the work of the special needs staff, as well as issues pertaining to program services identified 

• Responds in a timely manner to written and oral requests for information

• Works with School District Administrative Team on issues of School District importance when requested

• Serves as a member of such School District committees and teams when appropriate and/or when called upon to do so

• Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools

• Develops and administers the school district's special services programs consistent with school district goals and objectives, as well as applicable law.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of special education, guidance, psychology, ESOL and social work programs, and ESL, including curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Assigns staff in the areas of special education, guidance, social work, ESOL, and school psychologist to ensure the most effective utilization and provision of special services and programs.
• Supervises and provides training in the SST process, collaborating with administrators and teaching staff as needed.
• Serves as the school's liaison for special education students who have been placed outside district in day or residential programs.
• Ensures that student IEP and 504 records are maintained and secured to ensure accurate information, reporting capabilities, and confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws.
• Oversees the assignment of students into special education sections.
• Collaborates with administration and teaching staff on behavior management plans.
• Coordinates crisis intervention team and participates as a member, as needed.
• Coordinates special education services with other pupil services.
• Promotes a school environment conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
• Meets with students, parents, and related school personnel regarding student needs.
• Oversees special education and other pupil services budget requests and administration; apply for grants to assist the school district in obtaining funds for special services needs.
• Serves as the Coordinator for "Child Find".
• Serves as the 504 Coordinator and contact for staff accomodations.
• Oversee and coordinate all school district gifted and talents programs.
• Assists in school and system-wide curriculum development and staff development in areas of responsibility.
• Serves as liaison with state officials and agencies regarding legislation, programming and other matters covering areas of responsibility.
• Assists with special service transportation issues.
• Prepares and oversees budget related to student services programs.
• Reviews and approves requisitions for special education curriculum materials, supplies and equipment.
• Keeps abreast of developments in areas of responsibility.
• Keeps other school district staff informed of changes in laws or regulations in areas of responsibility.
• Manages and supervises all employees in responsibility areas, including the recruitment, selection, training, professional development and evaluation of staff under areas of responsibility; makes recommendations regarding goals, provides constructive feedback and takes corrective action if necessary.
• Coordinates and attends meetings with district staff and parents, serves on committees, and conducts professional development as needed to fulfill responsibilities.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent. 
                Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment
Use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. May need to visit out of district placements. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Work in standard office and school building environments. 
                Note:  Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles and behavioral management methods.
• Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of principles in psychology, social work and guidance.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special education, students, and staff, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, IDEA, and FERPA.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to develop and implement projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
• Ability to engage in self-reflection and evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:

• NH Certification in special eduation administration preferred.
• Teaching Certification in special education required.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Special Education required.
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Special Education Administration preferred.

Experience

• Extensive successful special education teaching experience, preferably in more than one grade span.
• Experience in guidance, psychology, health, and/or social work preferred.
• Successful administrative experience in special education preferred.

FLSA Status:       Exempt