Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Probationary

About the Role

The Director of Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) provides administrative direction, leadership, and supervision in special education and student support services under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

The role coordinates planning and development for elementary guidance programs, K-12 health services, special education programs and services, out-of-district placements, speech and language services, counseling, parent counseling and training, occupational and physical therapy, and Section 504 requirements.

Supervision

• CPSE Chairperson
• Supervisor(s) of Special Education
• Occupational Therapists and COTAs
• Cooperative supervision of Nurses, School Psychologists, Special Education Teachers, Social Workers, and Speech Teachers
• Contracted special education services, including Physical Therapy
• FlexPath therapeutic alternative program (jointly with YHS Administrators)
• Clerical support staff assigned to the PPS Department

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with building administrators, Central Office administrators, and school personnel to develop and maintain a K-12 continuum for the district’s special education program, including all necessary programs, services, supports, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology.
• Assess needs and help plan the implementation of staff development for special education staff in methods, techniques, and materials appropriate to the instruction of students with disabilities.
• Supervise and evaluate special education and support services offered within and outside the district, recommending changes in policies or practices as appropriate.
• Administer, schedule, and evaluate the Special Education service delivery process for the development of IEPs, including annual reviews and re-evaluations as required by State and Federal mandates.
• Annually assist in projecting needs for special education staff and programs in cooperation with building principals and central office administration.
• Develop and manage the annual budget to ensure implementation of appropriate programs and services for students with disabilities.
• Supervise and participate in grant-writing activities pertinent to special education.
• Serve as a liaison with the Department of Social Services and other local agencies for the provision of education for students under McKinney Vento, foster care, and child care institutions.
• Maintain current awareness of Federal, State, and local policies, mandates, and regulations governing programs and services for students with disabilities, ensuring their implementation within the District.
• Consult and work with the School District’s attorney regarding special education legal matters.
• Supervise and participate in data collection and verification for mandated State and District special education reports.
• Advise the Board of Education and the community on developments in special education that may affect District programs, policies, and practices.
• Organize and maintain central special education and Section 504 records.
• Supervise and evaluate Supervisors of Special Education, CSE and CPSE Chairpersons, and PPS clerical staff.
• In conjunction with building administrators, supervise and evaluate special education staff, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, school nurses, and related instructional and clinical personnel.
• Ensure IEPs address student needs across domains and that out-of-district placements are completed efficiently with necessary contracts in place.
• Follow procedures for safe storage and integrity of all public and confidential school records, ensuring compliance with State and Federal law and District policy.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained in professional duties, using discretion within legal confines.
• Assist in arranging and monitoring transportation for eligible students with disabilities.
• Supervise assigned personnel to ensure responsibilities align with research on learning and child growth and development, and strategies in special education and pupil personnel services.
• Manage funds within established program and fiscal requirements.
• Collect and analyze performance data to evaluate program effectiveness, developing reports, corrective action plans, and proposals for improvement.
• Coordinate and participate in audits as required.
• Present regulations, program plans, proposals, and evaluative reports to administration, school staff, and the community.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, ensure effective coordination of services so students with disabilities can participate in Academic Support Programs, including basic skill improvement and ENL.
• Ensure integration of core curriculum and standards, and utilization of approved textbooks and materials within special education programs.
• Provide parents with essential information and training to support their children’s studies.
• Ensure District compliance with Federal and State regulations and consistent implementation of program requirements.
• In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, ensure all program positions are staffed by appropriately certificated and highly qualified individuals.
• Administer health and medical services, including school health and emergency medical services, staff and student screenings, and examinations.
• Coordinate internal investigations of incidents involving assigned personnel, conduct disciplinary hearings, and process staff appeals and grievances.
• In collaboration with the Affirmative Action Officer/Ombudsperson and the Title IX Officer, coordinate internal investigations of incidents involving students or parents, conduct disciplinary hearings, and process appeals and referrals.
• Prepare grant and other applications as requested by the District Superintendent.
• Recommend budgets to support assigned programs and ensure necessary service contracts are in place.
• Ensure financial and fiscal requirements of Pupil Personnel Services are satisfied efficiently.
• Coordinate the purchasing of instructional materials and equipment following District procedures.
• Collect and analyze data, including State assessments, to recommend new programs and modifications to existing programs.
• Recommend policies and procedures to promote a healthy and supportive learning climate addressing core curriculum standards and Special Education programs.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of PPS and Supervisors of Special Education, arrange for Extended School Year programs and services, hire appropriate staff, and provide ongoing supervision.
• Ensure District compliance with Child Find and CSE responsibilities for students attending private and parochial schools within Yorktown CSD boundaries.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Requirements

• NYS Special Education Teacher certification or certification as a School Psychologist
• NYS Administrative Certificate – SDA, SAS, or SDL
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations regarding the education of students with disabilities
• Demonstrated record of working collaboratively with administrators, staff, parents, and the community
• Administrative experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in Special Education

Pay

Salary Range: $180,000 - $200,000. Prior experience in the same or equivalent title may be considered for appointment above the posted salary range.