Director of Exceptional Scholar Services

Career Summary

The Director of Exceptional Scholar Services is responsible for implementing and maintaining K-8 ESS (SPED), 504, ESS and Intervention programs and services in alignment with Leman Academy of Excellence, State, and Federal objectives. This is an Executive Leadership position reporting directly to the CEO.

About the Role

This role requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree, valid Arizona Special Education Certification, and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing/overseeing a special education program. The ideal candidate should have a thorough working knowledge of relevant laws, compliance, regulations, and teaching/therapy strategies, as well as a history of working cooperatively with administration, district staff, and teachers.

Qualifications/Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree
• Valid Arizona Special Education Certification OR related services certification/licensure
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing/overseeing a special education program
• Thorough working knowledge of the various laws, compliance, regulations, theories, teaching/therapy strategies, and techniques applicable to special education and related services
• Knowledge of materials available or needed for the educational progress of special education students
• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education laws and requirements
• A history of, ability to, work cooperatively with Administration, District staff, development personnel and teachers
• Valid AZ Driver’s License
• AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card / Background and Criminal History Clearance
• First Aid and CPR Certification

Desired Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in special education programs or related field
• Evidence of continued professional growth in special education or related area

Skills, Functions & Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Leman Academy of Excellence (LAE) Principals and school ESS teachers
• Sets staffing levels for school Exceptional Scholar Services (ESS)
• Directs personnel to deliver services conforming to established guidelines
• Ability to model and articulate federal and state Special Education Service requirements
• Collaborates alongside the CEO/CFO to develop proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants
• Evaluates LAE and school ESS programs and monitors their implementation and compliance with regulations
• Facilitates meetings and processes to implement and maintain ESS programs and services
• Implements assigned programs and/or projects to conform to LAE and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives
• Prepares documentation and reports data to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to provide written support, convey information, and comply with Federal and State regulations
• Communicates information on programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents, the Board, and all LAE campuses
• Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates LAE-level ESS staff including Speech Pathologists and assistants, School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and providers of Early Intervention and Early Childhood ESS
• Serves as the LAE Representative for IEP meetings when resources beyond school budgets may be considered
• Serves as the LAE liaison to the Arizona Department of Education for coordination of ESS services and manages ESS complaints
• Coordinates with outside agencies to provide services to Scholars and staff and ensures the offering of appropriate services
• Supervises the training of ESS instructional assistants
• Writes LAE Policy for ESS as needed to assure program consistency and compliance with state and federal rules in all locations
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing ESS issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating Scholars with disabilities
• Manages an excellent ESS program

Work Habits and Attitudes

• Be a self-starter with an ownership attitude
• Demonstrates a strong sense of drive to meet goals
• Shows initiative and resourcefulness
• Meets deadlines and sets priorities
• Works well with minimum supervision
• Accepts responsibility
• Shows sensitivity and tact in dealing with others
• Accepts direction and constructive criticism
• Cooperates with fellow workers and other departments
• Follows school policies and safety rules
• Maintains a professional environment on a daily basis
• Embraces collaboration with other professionals
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills
• Skills to manage personnel and programs, communicate effectively, problem solve
• Knowledge of ESS curriculum and programming, Arizona and Federal education law and regulation, LAE policies
• Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, provide direction to others, and make independent judgments
• Keeps and maintains accurate records
• Communicates in oral and written form
• Significant physical abilities include reaching/handling/fingering, talking/hearing conversations and other sounds, visual acuity/depth perception/visual accommodation

Work Location

Tucson, AZ

Equal Opportunity Employer