Director of Special Education -Anticipated

JOB TITLE

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

FLSA

EXEMPT

GROUP

ACT 93 – GROUP D

REPORTS TO

Superintendent

JOB SUMMARY

Provide leadership to all special education personnel in the implementation of educational programs aligned to the district’s approved strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND  RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervise and evaluate professional and support staff assigned to special education programming assignments.
2. Implement, promote and monitor all federal and state special education laws, regulations and standards.
3. Supervise and administer all special education programs as required by state and federal regulations.
4. Administer gifted and enrichment programs.
5. Guide multi-disciplinary teams and individualized education programs.
6. Plan, provide and facilitate staff development opportunities for all staff.
7. Assess, facilitate and coordinate delivery of homebound instruction for special education students.
8. Serve as a liaison to families whose children are enrolled in alternative education programs, institutions, non-public schools, partial hospitalization and homebound instruction.
9. Coordinate annual early intervention and high school transition programs.
10. Establish and oversee the extended school year program.
11. Interface with building principals in all matters relating to students who are eligible for special education or 504 services.
12. Attempt to resolve conflicts among families, school district personnel and support services and agencies as appropriate.
13. Prepare the special education budget for instructional programs; oversee ACCESS funding program.
14. Prepare and supervise the preparation of reports as appropriate to school’s administration.
15. Serve as coordinator of PASA, transportation for special education students and Section 504.
16. Prepare local and state reports, audits and special education plans.
17. Cooperate with public and private agencies.
18. Serve as a positive role model for students in all aspects of performance, demonstrating pride in the honorable profession of public education.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Enhance the delivery of meaningful instruction by assisting teachers in providing relevant community-based instruction and opportunities for special education students.
2. Oversee the maintenance of special education class rosters to ensure that accurate demographic, procedural and statistical information is readily available at all times.
3. Attend meetings, workshops and trainings as required.
4. Support public education and student achievement.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess PA Supervisor of Special Education Certificate or Principal Certification
• Administrative Experience Preferred
• Knowledge of special education law, disabilities, programmatic needs of student and current trends and techniques in the field
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Submission of pre-employment medical examination (Section 148 of the Pennsylvania School Code)
• Submission of a report of criminal history record from the Pennsylvania State Police (Section 111 of the Pennsylvania School Code)
• Submission of a clearance report from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in accordance with Act 151 of 1994
• Submission of Federal Criminal History Record in accordance with Act 114 of 2006

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to reach above and below the waist
• Ability to use fingers to pick, feel and grasp objects
• Ability to perform repetitive motions
• Some stooping, bending, kneeling and twisting of the body required
• Ability to lift and/or carry supplies and/or papers weighing no more than 30 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk or move throughout the buildings and grounds often for extended periods of the workday
• Ability to provide safe physical management (restrain) of students when necessary

SENSORY ABILITIES

• Visual acuity
• Auditory acuity

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Typical office/classroom environment
• Subject to inside environmental conditions

• TEMPERAMENT

• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
• Able to make judgments and work under high level of stress

• COGNITIVE ABILITY

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to organize tasks
• Ability to handle multiple tasks
• Ability to exercise good judgment

• SPECIFIC SKILLS

• Must possess leadership skills
• Must possess supervisory skills
• Supervise approximately 40 employees directly/100 indirectly
• Must possess technology skills
• Ability to operate various office equipment
• Must possess active listening skills
• Must possess conflict mediation skills
• Must possess fiscal management skills
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations
• Must appropriately handle confidential information