Director of Student Personnel Services

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
8/21/2024

Location:
Pawtucket School DepartmentThe Pawtucket School Department is seeking a dynamic and transformative director to lead the school department's programs, related to special education, social services, OT/PT, TA, psychological assessment, homebound and out-of-district instruction.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Superintendent, serves as the Director responsible for leadership and management of student support services. The main focus of the position is special education services, but also includes psychological services, counseling and social services, student personnel services, health services and pre-K programs.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Student Personnel Services will:

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team
• Interpret federal and state statues and regulations and oversee the implementation of laws, statues and regulations related to special education
• Provide technical assistance and information relative to special education needs and services to the School Committee, district staff, parents, students and the community; Prepare pertinent information and/or testimony for the legislature, School Committee and other official entities as requested;
• Prepare documents and assist the Superintendent, or serve as the district representative, relative to Office of Civil Rights or Office of Protection and Advocacy complaints
• Develop and implement special education services regulations and procedures to ensure that the rights and welfare of students with disabilities are guaranteed, and that they are provided an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment as determined by the needs of the individual student
• Develop and recommend goals, objectives, budgets, grants and programs in assigned areas
• Ensure that a system of procedural safeguards, due process, and other legal involvements relative to special education issues is conducted in accordance with state and federal statues and regulations, as well as district procedures
• Serves as District representative responsible for administrative review of the appropriateness of services delivered, investigation of due process complaints, and legal hearings
• Formulate procedures for processing special education confidential records in accordance with federal, state, and district requirements
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff in accordance with district procedures; recommend staffing requirements
• Collaborate with district recruitment and retention of special education staff efforts; provide for the selection, orientation, training, development, and maximum utilization of assigned staff;
• Develop and administer an equitable system for the allocation and coordination of special education teacher assistants and aides
• Oversee counseling activities and the activities of related service providers such as adapted physical education teachers, social workers, occupational, physical and speech and language therapists and special education teacher assistants
• Implement professional growth and other training for special education staff, related services personnel, teaching assistants and aides, site administrators, support staff, and regular education staff, as appropriate; facilitate collegial meetings for special education personnel in the various areas of exceptionality and related services
• Serve on pertinent committees and coordinate activities with district departments, divisions, schools and other agencies
• Serve as administrative liaison to the various special education interest groups, ad hoc committees, state special education administrative groups and the Rhode Island Department of Education; cooperate and coordinate services with other District administrative sections and departments such as psychological services, police, transportation, counseling, health services, elementary and secondary education and DCYF as needed
• Oversee transition responsibilities as it related to students with disabilities; oversee Child Find activities in accordance with district policies, state and federal regulations
• Collect, synthesize and analyze special education data and submits it to appropriate entities
• In collaboration with Teaching and Learning, initiate and facilitate the development and revision of curriculum for students with learning and behavior problems who meet eligibility requirements as individuals with disabilities
• Conduct parent and surrogate parent training as needed to ensure that the rights of students with disabilities are met
• Collaborate with the technology department to utilize instructional technology tools to best serve students with disabilities
• Networks with other similar school districts to share best practices and to continually upgrade and improve student support services
• Maintains current knowledge of best practices, trends, new developments, legal mandates and court rulings related to education and pre-K-12 academic practices, particularly in urban settings; implements changes to programs, services and/or operations as necessary.
• Functions as a "Leader of Leaders." Motivates and develops a high performance student personnel services team. Serves as a role model for effective human capital management that delivers measurable, cost-effective results toward the district's goal and mission.
• Collaborates with other district leadership and departments to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and exchange information to achieve the most effective environment for academic achievement.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Educational Administration, Policy, Leadership or related field and Master's degree in Special Education preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively more responsible educational administrative experience including experience dealing with diverse and economically disadvantaged populations. Experience in an urban school district is preferred.
• General knowledge of urban educational challenges as well as accrediting and regulatory standards and school funding related to students with disabilities, gifted and talented students, and other assigned functions.
• Knowledge of conducting special education services, supervision of personnel, and assigned responsibilities; principles of effective management, staff supervision and administration; special education federal and state laws including procedural safeguards, FERPA and 504/ADA regulations, effective inclusion practices and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) guidelines, special education funding sources, general knowledge of testing, counselor, social worker and school psychologist responsibilities.
• Skilled at establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; working with people, staff supervision and administration; grant development, budget oversight, mediation skills, meeting facilitation, staff professional development implementation and action research techniques
• Demonstrated success leading strategic educational initiatives that result in measurable improved student achievement.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills to effectively manage the daily operations and administration of assigned functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the design, implementation and management of large scale systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and successful implementation of research-based best practices for curriculum, instruction, assessment and staff development is preferred.
• Analytical ability to develop the vision and direction of the district's educational programs and services consistent with the mission statement and instructional goals of the district as well as related Federal and state mandates.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively and work productively with all levels of District staff, students, parents and the general public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including effective presentation skills.
• Mathematical aptitude necessary to develop an annual budget and monitor expenditures.
• Computer skills necessary to maintain various departmental records, documents and reports.
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex roles and responsibilities.
• Proven record of championing continuous learning and professional growth and demonstrated success of developing and retaining high performers.
• Personal demonstration of continuous learning.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problem situations in a tactful, courteous and respectful manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage limited resources to support strategic organizational goal attainment.
• Proven record of program development.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in special education or related field
• Ability to qualify for a Rhode Island District Level Administrator - Special Education Certificate
• Five (5) years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity with responsibility for special education
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Rhode Island driver license with a diving record acceptable to the District

COMPENSATION: Salary: $124,576.00-$128,870.00

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION.