Director I - SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Position Type:
Leading District Professional/Director

Date Posted:
8/5/2024

Location:
SSS SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Closing Date:
08/19/2024
Director I - SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Reports to: Executive Director - Specialized Learning
Grade 307
239 Days
Salary: $101,054 - $121,751
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Purpose
Provides administrative leadership and resource assistance to FWISD schools and counselors in the area of support services, specifically those related to Special Populations including Homeless, Foster Care, American Indian, and students receiving 504 accommodations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the development, delivery, and implementation of special populations programs that are aligned to District goals and support student achievement.
• Provides guidance to campus administrators and counselors regarding the delivery of appropriate services for students within the special populations' programs.
• Provides technical assistance to counselors regarding the identification and evaluation process of students in special populations.
• Obtains and uses evaluative findings to gauge the special populations' program effectiveness, and makes changes as warranted.
• Ensures that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support program goals are allocated appropriately to schools.
• Encourages and supports the development of innovative programs for special population needs.
• Develops special population program materials and brochures for the District.
• Serves as District coordinator for 504 concerns; serves as contact person for FWISD foster student reporting and services; serves as director of American Indian Education Program; serves as contact person for FWISD military student reporting and services.
• Implements the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy in area of special populations; recommends sound policies and procedures to improve the program.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Develops and administers the special populations' program budget based on documented needs and ensures that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintains a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommends the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Ensures timely submission of grant applications (e.g., Homeless, American Indian).
• Ensures grant compliance for Homeless Education and American Indian Education.
• Establishes and maintains a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, area shelters, and community members.
• Serves as District liaison to community agencies providing services to students, and notifies parents and students of available services.
• Demonstrates awareness of district-community needs and initiates activities to meet those needs.
• Uses appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
• Attends principal and other meetings needed to remain informed and advocates for full integration of special populations in District initiatives.
• Remains current on a variety of educational issues and topics through active participation in local, state, and national professional organizations; utilizes research and best practice literature to assess program effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates support staff.

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork. Responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education of special populations (e.g., 504 accommodations, homeless, American Indian, military).
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of leadership and innovation for enhancing teaching and learning through the identification, evaluation, adoption, and integration of effective educational innovations into the curriculum.
• Knowledge of the individual needs of special needs students
• 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 applicable federal and state laws regarding education, special education, individuals with disabilities, and so forth.
• Knowledge of budget control methods, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in monitoring/assessing the performance of self, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Skill in public relations, organizational development, communications, and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in using qualitative and quantitative data to make decisions about teaching and learning, including student and teacher assessments.
• Ability to aggregate and analyze student outcome data, gaining insights and communicating those insights to instructional coaches and leadership.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies and procedures relating to District operations.
• Ability to direct the on-going instructional programs for the District, providing for innovative programs and modifications to improve the quality of instruction.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate projects, work and training related to the implementation and supervision of the K-12 instructional programs for the District.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents, community, and others contacted in the course of work.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree from accredited college or university in Education or a related field.
• Certificate/License: Valid Texas Mid-Management or Principal Certification.
• Experience: 5 years' working with special populations required; supervisory experience with special populations preferred.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.