Director of Special Eduation

Position Type:
Administration/Director of Special Education/Pupil Svcs

Date Posted:
11/19/2024

Location:
Donegal District-Wide

All interested applicants must have an application on PA-Educator.net. EOE

Current teachers must complete the transfer form within five calendar days of the receipt of the posting. The transfer form is attached to the HR Job Notification email.

SUMMARY OF PURPOSE

This position is responsible for overseeing, supervising and coordinating services and programs for all students of the Donegal School District experiencing barriers to their education. The areas may include, but are not limited to, students with IEPs, GIEPs, 504 plans, mental health needs, students experiencing homelessness, and foster students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Oversees the special education, gifted, school counseling, nursing, social work, behavioral coach, school psychologist services within the district.

Oversees the creation and implementation of the state required plans for special education, gifted education, Act 339, and any other plans associated with the departments he/she oversees.

Initiates contracts and serves as the liaison between the District and outside agencies who provide services to students. May include, but not limited to, special education services through other educational entities, school based counseling services, and school assistant program services.

Oversees the organization and management of the student accounting system, PIMS reporting and student registration. Maintains systems for accurate records keeping related special education, gifted and 504 programming.

Assumes responsibility for remaining aware of state and federal programming for all related departments, and is responsible for the implementation and oversight of those requirements.

Monitors the student record system to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements ensuring that student data is maintained in a manner consistent with board policy.

Effectively build and maintain relationships with outside entities who assist in meeting the needs of the students.

Recruits, screens, assigns, evaluates, and trains staff members for student personnel services and special education services.

Works collaboratively to supervise and evaluate professional and support staff in the numerous departments that are overseen. Completes the evaluation paperwork for professional staff who work district-wide.

Develops and enforces policies and programs pertaining to activities such as screening, placement and educational services to determine possibly eligibility for special education, gifted education and 504 programming.

Supervises all services to identified gifted, special education and 504 students in the district including program development, staffing, staff development and delivery of services.

Supervises the collection and maintenance of all special education records which includes overseeing compliance review and developing corrective action plans in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Serves as district special education liaison to the PA Department of Education.

Assists personnel in the coordination of community mental health agency services and educational programs.

Performs other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent.

Contributes to the effective team management of all school district short- and long-term goals and objectives.

Serves as the district administrator overseeing students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act.

Serves as the foster care liaison for the district.

Creates and maintains the budget for pupil services and tuition.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Marginal Functions will vary with the specific assignment and depend on the particular position function for which the person is responsible.

SCOPE AND IMPACT

This position requires adaptability and collaboration across various roles within the school district. Internal contacts include school administration, the Board, faculty, and district staff, while external contacts consist of parents, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Be well versed in special education laws and regulations. Possess ability to relate to and function effectively with people of varying backgrounds and positions. Possess ability to communicate effectively and possess a positive and professional attitude toward duties and responsibilities. Display evidence of high personal esteem. Strong technological skills are required as well as strong interpersonal, decision-making and leadership skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in education or relevant subject area.
• Valid teaching certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (or relevant state certification)
• Teaching Certification in special education.
• ?Teaching Certification or license in psychology, social work or guidance preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Physically active, standing and walking for extended periods of time
• Occasional bending, crouching, stooping, twisting, reaching and grasping
• Some lifting, up to 25 pounds
• Able to receive and deliver detailed information through written and oral communications
• Manual dexterity and repetitive movement of fingers and hands for keyboarding
• Typically requires close visual acuity involved with preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer screen and extensive reading

Experience

• Extensive successful special education teaching experience, preferably in more than one grade level.
• Experience in guidance, psychology, health, and/or social work preferred.
• Successful administrative experience in special education preferred.

Attachment(s):

• Dir. of Special Education_Job Description .pdf