Assistant Director of Special Services

Edmond Public Schools
 Edmond, Oklahoma

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:    Assistant Director of Special Services 

JOB GOAL

The Assistant Director of Special Services supports the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of special education programs and services across the district. This role collaborates with district and site leadership, special education staff, related service providers, families, and community partners to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate educational supports and services in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Assistant Director of Special Services provides leadership, guidance, coaching, and operational support to school teams to promote effective programming, compliance and positive student outcomes. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership and Support 

• Support administrators and special education staff with implementation of special education services, programming and district procedures.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance related to instructional supports, accommodations, modifications, behavioral interventions and IEP implementation.
• Assist school teams in problem-solving student outcomes and identifying appropriate supports and services.
• Support the coordination and implementation of district special education programs and related services.  

Compliance and Case Management

• Assist with ensuring compliance with IDEA, state regulations and district procedures.
• Support buildings with preparation for audits, monitoring activities and compliance reviews.
• Assist with drafting prior written notices, compliance responses, and other required documentation.
• Participate in IEP meetings, manifestation determinations, eligibility meetings, and parent conferences as needed.
• Support the implementation of procedural safeguards and ensure accurate and timely special education documentation. 

Collaboration and Communication 

• Respond to questions and concerns from staff and families in a timely, professional, and collaborative manner.
• Facilitate collaborative communication between families, buildings, and district staff to support positive student outcomes.
• Help resolve concerns proactively through problem-solving, relationship building, and effective communication.
• Partner with building and district leadership to support student programming and staffing needs. 

Staffing and Operational

• Support staffing coordination and service delivery planning in collaboration with district and building leadership.
• Monitor caseloads, and program implementation to ensure student needs are appropriately addressed.
• Assist with supervision, training and support of assigned special education staff.
• Provide coaching and ongoing support to teams regarding best practices in special education programming and compliance.

OTHER DUTIES

1. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Special Services.
2. Support long range planning and continuous improvement initiatives for district special education services.
3. Assist with district-wide professional development and training related to special education programs, compliance, instructional practices and behavior supports. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the Assistant Director of Special Services, but are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. 

LENGTH OF CONTRACT: Two hundred and forty (240) contract days. 

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Executive Director of Special Services in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policies and state law. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the area of Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred
• Administration certification preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years successful experience in special education required.
• Experience supporting teams and special education programming preferred.
• Knowledge of special education compliance requirements and instructional supports preferred.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others, demonstrate self-discipline and initiative, and follow state and federal guidelines. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Oklahoma Standard Teaching Certificate in Special Education required

Valid or eligible to receive the Oklahoma Standard Principal Certification

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge
  • Knowledge of IDEA and state special education guidelines
  • Knowledge of instructional practices, interventions, accommodations, and behavior supports for students with disabilities
  • Experience supporting special education compliance processes and documentation requirements.
  • Strong collaboration, communication, organizational and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, families and community stakeholders.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in sensitive situations. 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Special education compliance and procedural knowledge
• Instructional support and intervention planning
• Behavior support and problem-solving strategies
• Program coordination and service delivery oversight
• Data monitoring and documentation review
• Leadership and staff support
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaboration and conflict resolution
• Responsible for supporting the implementation and oversight of district special education programs and services.
• Responsible for assisting campuses in ensuring appropriate educational opportunities and supports for students with disabilities.
• Responsible for carrying out the responsibilities of the job in accordance with Edmond Public Schools' policies and applicable laws and procedures.
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, supporting staff development, assisting with supervision of assigned personnel, coordinating services, addressing concerns, and supporting compliance and program implementation. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties are performed in an office, in schools, district facilities, and wherever the business of school oversight is to be conducted. The position requires occasionally working evenings, nights, and some weekends.  At times, overnight travel is required.  Must be knowledgeable of and physically able to operate a variety of equipment, including a personal computer. Must possess a valid driver's license and be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Work usually requires walking and standing. Requires the ability to talk, hear, and communicate effectively in a variety of communicative ways. The physical requirements described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The working conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO DISCLAIMER

Edmond Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes").

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Edmond Public Schools reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.