DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION 742

Profile

Job Goal:

Leads the development and coordination of Special Education services to meet the needs of all students. Accountable for overall direction, coordination and evaluation of all Special Education programs in Somerville, including preschool / Early Intervention programs, Out of District placements and alternative programs, in accordance with local, state and federal mandates to maximize students’ ability to learn and function effectively.

Position requires communication and coordination with all grade levels, knowledge of specialized program options, parent communication and community / agency outreach. Recruits, selects, trains, and evaluates staff. Prepares budget to provide financial support for Special Education programs and ensures that programs are effectively evaluated to respond to changing student needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in the appropriate discipline or in educational leadership.

Valid Massachusetts license as Special Education Administrator.

Prior experience as a Special Education director preferred.

Demonstrated skills in organizational development, planning, decision-making, communication, interpersonal skills and community relations.

Performance Responsabilities:

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Function as contributing instructional leader in central office team to advocate a vision for high expectations for all Special Education students through a range of effective programs, services and curriculum that maximize student potential in a cost-effective manner.

Provide technical direction and advice to administrators, building principals and instructional staff as they relate to the issues of federal and state grants and legal compliance with mandated regulations and laws.

Contributes to the development of Somerville’s educational vision and strategic goals.

Assists in the implementation of school policies that involves Special Education program needs.

Conducts effective needs assessments and recommends policies and programs necessary to address the needs of students with disabilities.

Keeps informed of all legal requirements governing special education.

Provides leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs.

Provides leadership in the development of highly effective inclusionary practices including research-based practices in co-teaching.

Develops and initiates survey programs for continuous identification of students with disabilities.

Develops procedures for referral, securing medical reports, psychological examination, and placement of students with disabilities.

Assumes responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports and records legally required or administratively useful.

Supervises preparation of attendance reports and similar data necessary to reimbursement of funds, collecting of tuition for out-of-district students, and similar fiscal matters.

Effectively communicates the objectives and programs of the special education services to the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, the staff, and the public at large.

Approves all supplies and curriculum materials used by Special Education personnel in collaboration with District curriculum leadership.

Evaluates on an ongoing basis, the total special education program, curriculum, procedures, and individual students' needs and achievements.

Develops, and delivers, as appropriate, in-service training programs for special education staff.

Directs out-of-district placement of special education students and arranges for transportation of these students.

Coordinates and monitors Child Find Program and responsible for carrying out multidisciplinary team decisions for all school placements.

Assists in the development of high quality Individual Education Programs. (I.E.P.'s).

Maintains an effective liaison and communication with parent groups, staff members and community agencies relating to special education.

Maintains complete up-to-date records of students' progress and submits reports, as necessary, to the Superintendent.

Evaluates Special Education staff in collaboration with appropriate building principal.

Pursues State and Federal grant applications, and prepare reports and statistical data required.

Maintains open lines of communication with Directors from other districts and associated State personnel.

Maintains effective and proactive relationship with parent advocacy groups in Somerville.

Supervises, directly or through support administrators, all administrative, clerical, and support staff assigned to the Special Education Department.

Develops and submits reports to the School Committee as directed by the Superintendent.

Responsible for the recruitment, professional development and recommendation of employment of Special Education staff.

Oversees related Special Education services such as physical therapy, adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, speech, health education, and psychological and social work services.

Pupil Personnel Duties:

Collaborates with all stakeholders to establish clear Policies and Practices aligned with city, state, federal, and DESE requirements

Ensures compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Supervises, coordinates, and allocates staff, programs, resources, and budgets for school nursing staff.

Assures that site administration implements practices and legal requirements related to health, safety, and welfare of students.

Oversees all communication to and with District stakeholders and other agencies and organizations by coordinating and developing means of exchanging information to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts, and facilitate the efficient use of resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Oversee the hiring of personnel for the special education and school nurse staff.

Evaluate District-wide Special Education staff, including the Assistant Directors of Special Education and Department Heads.

Performs other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Position Reports to:

The Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the bases of race, color, age, religion, disability, preganancy, home status, martital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Position Type:

Full-time

Positions Available:

1

Welcome to Somerville Public Schools!

Education - Inspiration - Excellence are the themes that characterize the instructional services, departments and programs of the Somerville Public Schools.

Our Mission: The Somerville Public Schools is dedicated to the realization of the full intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential of all students. Our talented team of teachers and other professionals provides every student with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be successful throughout their lives. This is accomplished through the delivery of innovative instruction guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum and Somerville Curriculum Frameworks, and supported through partnerships with organizations such as Primary Source, and the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach at Tufts University.

Job Requirements

No experience required

Contact Information

Central HR

8 Bonair St.

Somerville, Massachusetts 02145

Phone: 617-625-6600

Email: centralhr@k12.somerville.ma.us

Company info

Somerville School Department
Phone : 617-625-6600