Director of Student Services

Position Title: Director of Student Services
Department: Administration
Reports To: District Superintendent
Contract: 12-month (July 1 - June 30)
Compensation: Regionally Comparable, Commensurable with Experience
 

SUMMARY: Provides coordination and educational direction in the operation of all specialized education programs and related services within District 46. The criteria indicated below are intended to describe various types of work that may be performed. The exclusion of specific responsibilities does not prohibit them if the work is similar, related, or a logical task of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. General Supervision
a. Works with District staff and parents to plan, implement and assess appropriate programming for students with disabilities.
b. Collaborates with building principals and other administrators on implementing all learning initiatives of the District.
c. Acts as the primary administrator providing oversight to the Early Childhood Education program and all of its functions.
d. Assists in the determination of types of instructional programs needed by the schools and makes appropriate recommendations (instructional programs include but are not limited to all special education services and early childhood services).
e. Serves as the LEA at IEP meetings for District 46 students in conjunction with the Student Services Coordinator.
f. Evaluates District and building level student services and monitors the implementation of special education/504 and compliance with regulations in each location, for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within the area of responsibility.
g. Completes, gathers and submits the necessary documentation and data to fulfill State and Federal grants and guidelines in a timely manner.
h. In partnership with the Superintendent, manages the District's fiscal resources and special education grants as well as Medicaid funding; prepares budgets and directs spending, and monitors Maintenance of Effort.
i. Develops and implements District Student Services guidelines.
j. Chairs meetings, develops class lists and monitors CCSE evaluations and reevaluation status.
k. Assists in planning and implementing services that support alignment of learning standards with effective special education teaching practices.
l. Monitors the District's Special Education programs to ensure compliance with State and Federal Rules and Regulations
m. Assumes responsibility for Child Find activities including, coordination of the District's preschool and Kindergarten screening and registration procedures.
n. Interviews candidates for certified and non-certified Special Education staff positions as appropriate and makes recommendations for employment.
o. Assists in the evaluation of Special Education personnel.
p. Submits an annual program evaluation of the District's Special Education programs and related services to the Superintendent.
q. Prepare financial reports as required by State and federal agencies.
r. Collaborates with school-based administrators and district office administrators regarding the discipline of general education students and students with disabilities.

s. Facilitates and/or participates in all matters of dispute resolution with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Office for Civil Rights; manage mediation and due process procedures.
t. Maintains open lines of communication regarding special education with all interested parties; respond to concerns of parents, teachers, support staff, building and district office administrators, and community members.
u. Articulates and implements a clear vision for moving special education students on a service continuum from the least restrictive environment to inclusion in general education classes based on an integrated service delivery model.
v. Consults with principals, teachers, and parents in matters of dispute regarding student FAPE which have not been resolved at the building level.
w. Assists in the development, organization, and supervision of ESY.
x. Coordinates the Health Services Program.
y. Coordinates social emotional and mental health curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
z. Supervises the teaching, learning, and assessment for all student services programs and services.
aa. Is the immediate supervisor of the student services coordinator.

2. Program Management
a. Delegate the authority necessary to accomplish department functions.
b. Implement and observe all Board of Education business policies for the District.

3. Transportation Services
a. Assists the Superintendent in administering the transportation needs of students.
b. Develop recommendations for future transportation needs based on forecasts of resident students.

4. General Administration
a. Act as advisor to the Superintendent concerning special education matters.
b. Provide leadership, in cooperation with the building principals, of instructional activities in the School District.
c. Participate in the decision-making and policy development processes within the system.
d. Participate constructively in professional meetings with administrative staff and colleagues.
e. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as the Superintendent may assign from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must hold and be eligible for a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Administrative endorsement.

• Director of Special Education endorsement required.
• ISBE Teacher and Principal Qualified Evaluator
• Masters' Degree or higher in educational leadership or special education
• Minimum of five years of experience in special education administration
• Minimum of ten years of progressive building or district administrator experience
• Superintendent endorsement preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ABILITY:
Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, proposing new ways of creating efficiencies, and guiding investment in people and systems. Proven effectiveness leading professionals in student achievement. Systems thinking ability with an understanding of process improvement and development.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
Flexible and a self-starter; able to multitask while also being highly detail-oriented. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to D46's mission. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before all stakeholders. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to read and interpret testing materials and scoring. Ability to lead and work with small groups, ability to work well with teachers and students.