Director of Special Services

Qualifications

• Valid Ohio administrative license appropriate for the position.
• Master's degree in Educational Administration, Special Education, or related field.
• 3. Successful teaching and administrative experience; special education experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and Ohio special education laws, regulations, procedures, and best practices.
• Knowledge of IEPs, evaluations, related services, Section 504, behavioral supports, transition services, and special education programming and all applicable laws.
• 6. Demonstrated leadership, supervision, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work with students, families, staff, administrators, community agencies, and outside providers.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• 10. Valid driver's license.

Performance Responsibilities

• Provide district-wide leadership, direction, and oversight of special education programs, related services, and Section 504 services.
• Ensure District compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities, Board policies, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
• Monitor special education processes and timelines, including Child Find, evaluations and reevaluations, eligibility determinations, IEPs, progress reporting, Prior Written Notices, procedural safeguards, and Manifestation Determination Reviews.
• Ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate specially designed instruction, accommodations, related services, behavioral supports, and access to a continuum of services in the Least Restrictive Environment.
• Provide leadership and guidance to administrators and staff regarding IEP development and implementation, evaluations, discipline, FBA/BIP processes, Section 504, inclusive practices, and other special education matters.
• Oversee district-wide specialized staff and special education related services, including school psychology, speech-language services, occupational and physical therapy, specialized transportation, parent mentor, and other services required by student IEPs.
• Collaborate with building administrators in the supervision, evaluation, assignment, and support of Intervention Specialists, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and other special education personnel.
• Analyze caseloads, student needs, service requirements, and enrollment data and make recommendations regarding staffing, programming, and allocation of resources.
• 10. Plan and provide professional development to administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service personnel regarding special education compliance and effective instructional practices.
• Monitor special education data and collaborate with EMIS personnel to ensure accurate and timely reporting of required state and federal information.
• Cookordinate District preparation and response for state monitoring, audits, complaints, corrective action plans, mediation, due process matters, and other special education compliance activities.
• Develop and administer special education budgets, grants, contracts, purchased services, Medicaid-related services, and other fiscal resources in collaboration with the Superintendent and Treasurer.
• Facilitate collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution with parents/guardians, staff, administrators, and outside agencies regarding student programming and services.
• 15. Coordinate secondary transition services and collaborate with community agencies and organizations to support students as they transition to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, guidance, and best practices affecting special education and communicate relevant changes to District personnel.
• Develop, review, and implement District procedures and practices to ensure consistent and legally compliant special education services across all District buildings.
• 18. Establish systems for improvement and oversee the district's special education profile and any corrective actions.
• Serve as a member of the District administrative leadership team and advise the Superintendent regarding special education programming, compliance, staffing, fiscal needs, student services, and emerging issues.
• Collaborate with curriculum, instruction, transportation, technology, student services, and building leadership to ensure students with disabilities are appropriately supported in all District programs and activities.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, State Support Team, Educational Service Centers, community agencies, families, and other organizations supporting students with disabilities.
• Attend Board of Education meetings and provide reports or presentations as requested by the Superintendent.