Director of Special Education and Student Services

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
6/19/2024

Location:
Central Office

Director of Special Education and Student Services

Department: Student Support Services
Report To: Assistant Superintendent
Status: Act 93

Qualifications:

• PA Supervisor of Special Education Certification and/or Pennsylvania Pupil Personnel Certificate
• Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility (preferred) or K-12 Principal Certification
• Outstanding Leadership Skills
• Strong knowledge of federal and state special education regulation and standards

Required Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in a relevant area and doctorate preferred
• 5 years of experience in the related field
• 3 years of experience in central office and leadership experience in supervision or organizational management preferred

Core Knowledge Areas:

• Curriculum, Instruction and Student Learning
• Federal Programs
• Guidance Programs
• Homeless Programs
• Paraprofessionals - Special Education
• Parent and Student Issue Resolution
• Professional Development
• PVAAS
• School Health
• School Psychology
• Special Education
• Student Discipline
• Student Learning Assessments
• Student Scheduling and Course Management

Purpose: The Director of Special Education and Student Services will assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive system of Special Education Services, Student Services, Psychology, Counseling/Social Worker/HSV, and Nursing Services for PBSD. The Director will assist in providing leadership, vision, strategic direction, and program development to achieve and maintain the best possible educational programs and services for all students across-the-board with consistency and continuity when meeting individual student needs and enhancing programs and services. The Director of Special Education and Student Services is accountable for the administration, oversight and planning for various core knowledge areas identified for the position. The person in this position uses management, organizational, planning, communication, technical and conflict management skills to ensure that the assigned core knowledge areas are carried out effectively to meet the goals and objectives set forth annually by the School Board and Superintendent of Schools.

Job Duties:

• Directs and supervises the placement of students with identified exceptionalities upon request or referral; determines the appropriate organization of special education services throughout the District annually; coordinates the Early Admission Testing Program according to Board policy; and oversees in planning standardized group-testing programs for students with disabilities.
• Supervises the implementation of the School-Based ACCESS Programs and the provision of appropriate extended school year programs.
• Supervises the coordination with early intervention service providers, parents, and District personnel to ensure all students transitioning to school-age receive appropriate supports and services as well as assists in providing transitional services for students completing special education programs.
• Coordinates with the transportation department to ensure student transportation needs, both during the school year and for extended school year, are met.
• Reviews student discipline handbooks and ensures adherence to all Federal statute, regulations and laws.
• Coordinates requests for homebound instruction.
• Supervises all aspects of educational programming for students in out-of-district placements to include charter, cyber charter, approved private and homeschool programs. Works with the other administrators to provide oversight of all cyber programs that serve special education or gifted students.
• Supervises the identification, screening, evaluation and placement of eligible gifted students.
• Coordinates initial interactions and screening for students and families who may require English Language Development (ELD) programs and services and oversees appropriate placements and compliance with all federal and state requirements pertaining to the ELD program and ESL teachers.
• Ensures appropriate educational placements and compliance with all federal and state requirements pertaining to homeless students, migrant students, juvenile justice placement, and students in foster care. Acts as or supervises the designated liaisons for programs and agencies which have legal responsibilities or authority to intervene in matters relating to homeless students, migrant students and students in foster care.
• Supports and supervises the district's health services and personnel including oversight of all state reporting (SHARS) and other applicable reporting related to health services.
• Oversees counseling services that develops and coordinates a school counseling program that includes individualized education, career planning, and other activities necessary for a successful program. Supports principals in the development of school counseling programs that result in academic achievement and post-secondary education plans for every student.
• Coordinates and assists with District preparation for Section 504 service agreement meetings.
• Supervises the due process procedures for all students who are identified as exceptional and are attending programs either within or outside the District.
• Makes recommendations for professional and nonprofessional special education staff assignments.
• Customize and implement a professional educational plan to grow our professional and support staff.
• Determine staffing needs, participate in the recruitment, screening, selection, assignments and supervision of the special education staff. Assist building principals in the evaluation of special education staff by providing, when appropriate, documentation of IEPs, and supervises pertinent in-service training.
• Supervises and assists building principals in the evaluation of pupil support services staff.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent to drive the mission, fulfill the vision and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the District.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit for an extended period of time
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 35 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle materials and supplies
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating
• Adequate vision to perform responsibilities and duties
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned in the future.