504 Academic Programs Assistant Director - 1.0 FTE - Special Education

Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Position Details

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District's focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. To learn more about Portland Public Schools, please visit the District website: here .

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under administrative direction, reporting to the Senior Director of Special Education lead the Portland Public Schools 504 program. This includes the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the operational and/or instructional vision and focused plans for assigned programs; supervise and support professional educators in program activities; manage operational support activities, staff, and budgets; implement the District's Racial Equity Policy ensuring a culture of high expectation which provides every student with equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

This description does not describe all duties performed. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed.

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES LEADERSHIP "E"

• Participate in the planning, development, and implementation of district wide systems and structures in support of inclusive practices.
• Plan, oversee and coordinate staff development offerings for district staff, curriculum planning, textbook and materials selection and adoption, and instruction in collaboration with licensed staff and building administrators.
• Participate in the development and implementation of department budgets; manage and/or oversee assigned budget allocations to ensure appropriate use of resources.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for identification, placement, and provision of services to students with a broad range of disabilities.
• Participate in the interpretation and implementation of state and federal legislation related to Special Education and 504 programs.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP "E"

• Coach and collaborate with building administrators in the delivery of innovative and research-based methodologies used to instruct students with disabilities.
• Participate in the development and evaluation of integrated special education programs based on identified student instructional and behavioral needs data.
• Participate on cross functional teams, collaboratives, and committees to advocate for students with disabilities.
• Lead and deploy assigned program improvement plans focused on integrated special education services and supports.
• Develop and Lead the evaluation and improvement of special education programs which provide access and support of students with disabilities to high quality instruction.
• Implement and maintain information systems to track progress on program performance objectives and activity excellence indicators with a focus on student achievement.

COMMUNICATION AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT "E"

• Articulate and solicit support in accomplishing the special education program mission, vision and core values.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with buildings administrators, central office, and various employee groups throughout the district in support of the PPS Special Education mission and vision.
• Develop and maintain positive, responsive relationships with parents, advocates and community members in support of the PPS Special Education mission and vision.
• Participate on cross-functional teams, collaboratives, committees and similar partnerships to advocate for PPS students with disabilities.
• Represent the district and assigned schools in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities.

PROFESSIONAL TEAM GROWTH "E"

• Support district and school site administrators and staff by developing and deploying policies, procedures and professional development related to assigned programs.
• Supervise the performance of assigned personnel including special education administrative, licensed, and non-licensed staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions.
• Participate in building and leading a program team that reflects diverse perspectives.
• Coach, counsel and mentor department staff in the effective delivery of program objectives and services
• Perform related duties as assigned.

ASSIGNMENT SPECIFIC "E"

• Represent the district and assigned schools in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities.
• Learn and use District IT systems to perform routine tasks, such as performance management assessments; accessing financial reports and managing staffing allocations and budget information.
• Lead and Implement the district program and compliance efforts with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972 and ADA-II.
• Serve as the District Compliance Officer for both 504 and ADA-II.
• Provide Training and Professional Learning to district staff on the implementation of 504 and ADA-II processes, procedures, and regulations.
• Design, Implement, and Maintain records, reports, and systems and structures for 504 and ADA-II.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized "E", which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Federal and State laws, regulations and interpretation regarding the delivery of education programs and services for students with disabilities.
• Federal and State laws, rules and procedures regarding special education finance, budgeting and accounting.
• K-12 Education public schools' laws, policies and guidelines related to administration, curriculum and leadership.
• District labor organizations and collective bargaining agreements.
• Grant writing and application processes.
• Research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices for all students.
• High Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities.
• Effective leadership and management strategies and techniques.
• Collection of and data use methods and progress monitoring.
• Academic programs achievement standards which align to district goals.
• District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Existing and emerging technologies, including education, business and internet software applications.

Ability to:

• Manage systemic change and successfully implement reform initiatives that produce significant gains in closing the achievement gap for students with disabilities.
• Monitor and evaluate program's progress and modify plans to meet intended outcomes.
• Build a culture of equity that is student centered.
• Direct, supervise and evaluate programs and staff.
• Build and sustain productive relationships.
• Advocate, model and implement Portland Public School's Racial Equity Initiative and board policies.
• Plan and pursue professional development for self and staff members.
• Learn and implement the PPS Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting board policy.
• Focus on narrowing disparities between the highest and lowest performing students.
• Welcome and empower students and families, including underrepresented families of color and those whose first language may not be English, as essential partners in student education, school planning and District decision making.
• Operate a variety of computer technologies and related hardware and software.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A State of Oregon issued Administrative License is required at the time of appointment.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a PK-12 education experience including a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Special Education or Administrator, Lawyer, 504 administrator or compliance officer, or ADA-II compliance officer as a leader with demonstrated results in improving the systems and structures for the academic performance of students is required. Experience with special education and/or 504 implementation preferred. Demonstrate Experience working in a richly diverse school community and environment is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

• May require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid driver's license.
• Work hours may include evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school and student functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Remote Work Eligibility: Ad-hoc

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY:

This position is classified as an Assistant Director - Academic Programs on the Licensed Administrator Salary Schedulefor 260 work day employees which can be found here .A full review of the classification specification can be found here .

SALARY RANGE:$145,939 - $157,161

FTE:1.0 FTE

WORK YEAR:260

STATUS / FSLA:Exempt

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees.Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For moreinformation about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635