Assistant Director of Student Services
Position Overview
The position supports the leadership, coordination, and continuous improvement of district-wide special education programs and pupil personnel services, with a focus on ensuring compliance, high-quality instruction, and effective service delivery for students with diverse needs.
Responsibilities
Support the implementation of IDEA and Section 504 frameworks
Maintain familiarity with all district and out-of-district programs to ensure appropriate student placement and services
Ensure compliance with IDEA, ISBE regulations, and district policies
Support IEP development, implementation, and compliance monitoring
Assist with due process, mediation preparation, legal documentation, and collaboration with district attorneys
Oversee Medicaid claiming (IL MAC/PCGUS) and Random Moment Time Study processes
Support and monitor student placements in district, therapeutic, nonpublic, and residential settings
Serve as liaison and case manager for outplaced students, ensuring compliance, communication, and progress monitoring
Support special education transportation in collaboration with transportation services
Support transitions across programs and grade levels
Collaborate with families and outside agencies to ensure appropriate services and placements
Provide coaching, technical assistance, and leadership to IES Coordinators, related service providers, and school teams
Develop high-quality IEPs, progress monitoring, and instructional practices
Analyze student data to inform programming, services, and decision-making
Promote professional learning communities and continuous improvement practices
Assist with district-wide professional development for specialized services staff
Assist with Extended School Year (ESY) planning and implementation
Participate in professional development to remain current with educational trends and legal updates
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Administration
Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements aligned to district goals and student needs
Support the implementation of IDEA and Section 504 frameworks
Maintain familiarity with all district and out-of-district programs to ensure appropriate student placement and services
Compliance & Legal Oversight
Ensure compliance with IDEA, ISBE regulations, and district policies
Support IEP development, implementation, and compliance monitoring
Assist with due process, mediation preparation, legal documentation, and collaboration with district attorneys
Oversee Medicaid claiming (IL MAC/PCGUS) and Random Moment Time Study processes
Student Services & Placement Oversight
Support and monitor student placements in district, therapeutic, nonpublic, and residential settings
Serve as liaison and case manager for outplaced students, ensuring compliance, communication, and progress monitoring
Support special education transportation in collaboration with transportation services
Support transitions across programs and grade levels
Collaborate with families and outside agencies to ensure appropriate services and placements
Instructional Leadership & Staff Support
Provide coaching, technical assistance, and leadership to IES Coordinators, related service providers, and school teams
Develop high-quality IEPs, progress monitoring, and instructional practices
Analyze student data to inform programming, services, and decision-making
Promote professional learning communities and continuous improvement practices
Assist with district-wide professional development for specialized services staff
Human Resources & Staffing Support
Support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of special education personnel
Build staff capacity through coaching, feedback, and professional growth opportunities
Provide leadership in developing high-performing, collaborative teams
Systems, Operations & Data Management
Maintain accurate student records, service documentation, and compliance timelines
Support district assessments and accommodations (e.g., WIDA, NWEA, ACCESS, DLM)
Analyze program data and generate reports to guide decision-making and ensure accountability
Support budgeting, resource allocation, and program planning
Qualifications
Illinois Type 75 General Administrative Endorsement
Illinois Approval as Director of Special Education
An earned Master's Degree
At least five (5) years teaching experience
At least three (3) years of experience teaching a minimum of one area of special education
Administrative experience preferred
Compensation and Benefits
$95,000-$110,000 (excluding TRS)
Benefits Include:
Medical and Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Life Insurance and Long-term Disability
Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Pension plan
Flexible Benefits Plan
Tax Deferred Annuities
Vacation Days
Sick Days
Personal Days
Employee Assistance Program