Description

SUMMARY

This position administers Special Education/Student Services programs and services for assigned schools; provides technical assistance to principals, teachers, support staff, parents, and the community in assigned special programs; coordinates assigned Special Education/Student Services programs District-wide.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Administers Special Education programs for assigned schools; facilitates communication between District administration and school staff; interprets and implements District policy; participates in the development of assigned budgets to maintain and improve the delivery of services to students in Special Education/Student Services programs.

2. Supervises assigned staff; makes hiring recommendations; appropriately evaluates, commends, and disciplines employees; approves leaves and overtime; assigns and reviews work; provides for and encourages participation in professional development opportunities.

3. Monitors work of Special Education/Student Services staff; provides technical assistance; provides input to the evaluation of certificated staff.

4. Oversees compliance of (Individual Educational Program) IEPs and student evaluations for assigned buildings/schools; coordinates with building administrators regarding appropriate placement of students.

5. Remains abreast of current laws, policies, and practices regarding the education of students with disabilities; provides technical assistance and training to department staff; interprets policies to staff and families; ensures compliance with current federal, state, and District laws, regulations, and policies; assists in effecting changes in local procedures. 

6. Conducts and/or participates in Special Education/Student Services, staffing, and IEP Team meetings as the District representative, and a variety of other meetings regarding programs for students with disabilities; coordinates with other departments; acts as a liaison with building personnel.

7. Maintains professional relationships with community agencies and organizations concerned about children with disabilities and their families.

8. Develops new programs and modifies existing programs based on student needs and current research; evaluates programs for effectiveness and makes recommendations.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. Designs, implements, and continuously improves projects and programs for specialized needs.

2. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.

3. Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned and on a temporary basis.

4. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

Required to meet multiple reporting deadlines; required to deal with and, if appropriate, diffuse difficult and sensitive situations and/or people; requires extensive travel within the District; requires some travel outside of the community; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with formal training or experience in education administration; three years of increasingly responsible experience working with students with disabilities; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.

Current Washington State Administrator, Principal is preferred, and the ESA Certificate and/or Teacher certificates required.

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Valid Washington State driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of Special Education/Student Services, programs, and trends.

Knowledge of child development and disabilities.

Knowledge of leadership principles.

Knowledge of current rules, regulations, and legal mandates in Special Education.

Knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of fiscal management practices and procedures.

Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.

Skill in decision-making and problem solving.

Ability to supervise the work of assigned staff.

Ability to develop and monitor budgets.

Ability to effectively resolve conflicts.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain good follow-through procedures.

Ability to coordinate activities.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, socio-economic setting.

Ability to participate as a member of a team