Bastrop Independent School District Hiring for Director of Special Programs and Services (6501) at Bastrop, TX Full Time

Job Title

Director of Special Programs and Services

Evaluation Type

Clinical

Department

Special Programs and Services

Pay Grade

A8

FLSA

Exempt

Date Revised

May 2022

Supervisor

Associate Superintendent of Academics

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: The Director of Special Programs and Services is responsible for implementing and maintaining all Special Education programs and services in conformance to District, State and Federal objectives as well as other programs including 504 and dyslexia. The Director serves as a resource to families, school personnel and teachers; and analyzes the need for staffing to ensure objectives of programs are met.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Management of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions:

Instructional Program Management:
Monitor the procedures for the operation of special education programs across the school division and ensure compliance with IDEA; maintain compliance with federal and state special education regulations.

Supervise and evaluate special education leadership team members.

Coordinate, assign, supervise, and evaluate central office staff members assigned to special education department/offices.

Provide leadership on district initiatives and committees to implement local, state, and federal mandates.

Provide leadership for district implementation of Special Education Homebound services.

Respond to issues and inquiries from school district administrators, parents and educators involving staff conflicts, community concerns, parental requests, and compliance with policies and procedures.

Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education programs more effective.

Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.

Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.

Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.

Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.

Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.

Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.

Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.

Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.

Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.

Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.

Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.

Student Management:
Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.

Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.

Support campus administrators, staff, and parents to solve Special Education or Section 504 complaints and potentially litigious circumstances.

Policy, Reports, and Law:
Recommend sound policies to improve the program.

Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of special education.

Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents

Develop and implement policies and procedures related to video surveillance in Special Education Classrooms and Service Animal requests by students in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

Human Resources Management:
Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special education department.

Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.

Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.

Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Professional Growth and Development:
Facilitate professional development based on Results Driven Accountability (RDA) and Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) data.

Guide assigned staff in the participation, planning and implementation of professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance.

Participate in professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance.

School/Community Relations:
Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.

Participate in professional organizations and serve on community boards.

Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.

Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.

Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Organization Morale:
Foster collegiality and team building among department employees; encourage active involvement in the decision- making process by all department employees; communicate expectations for high-level performance to staff; recognize staff achievements; and ensure effective and quick resolution of conflicts among department employees.

Facilitate communication and collaboration among assigned department personnel and campus administrators to enhance service delivery, program development, and customer

Other Responsibilities:
Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.

Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.

Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Approve and forward purchase orders for the special education department to the business office.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervise and evaluate the performance of special education staff, special education teachers, aides, and support staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Ability to coordinate district function

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Administrative experience (principal) preferred.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
Five years successful teaching experience in Special Education

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:
Maintain emotional control under stress.

Work with frequent interruptions.

Use computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motions.

Lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

Sit for extended periods.

Travel district-wide on a frequent basis and statewide occasionally.

Work extended and irregular hours.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Work is normally performed in a typical interior office work environment with little or no exposure to physical risk.

Primary Location Service Center

Salary Range $388.38 – $540.81 / Per Day

Shift Type Full-Time