Purpose:

The Director of Special Services provides leadership to coordinate and supervise the effective delivery of Special Education services and provides oversight for services regulated under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. To accomplish these tasks, the Director of Special Services must work closely with the community, staff, and administration of Round Valley Unified School District.

Responsible to: Superintendent 

Salary: Annual Contract

Qualifications:

1. Special Services Education degree from an accredited college/university is preferred.

2. Masters of Education degree from an accredited college/university is required.

3. Three years certified administrative experience is preferred.

4. Current Arizona license with Director of Special Education or District Leadership endorsement on file at ADE.

5. Commitment to career development and life-long learning.

Essential Functions:

     1. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

             a. Provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating the effective delivery of                 Special Education services, Section 504/American Disabilities Act (ADA) services, McKinney-Vento Homeless Act,                     and student health services.

             b. Establish an optimum learning environment within the Special Services department.

             c. Ensure that all Special Services programs and activities conform to federal, state and district guidelines.

             d. Communicate effectively with all members of the Special Services department.

             e. Work effectively with community organizations.

             f. React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.

             g. Support the value of an education.

             h. Support the philosophy and mission of the Special Services department and the school district.

             i. Provide direct supervision to Special Education and Title Teachers

             j. Assist the Curriculum Director with the development and implementation of the district’s curriculum.

             k. Assist the Business Manager with the federal grants. 

             l. Assist the Business Manager with as fiscal responsibilities in Special Education.

             m. Comply with all district policies, rules and regulations.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

     a. Requires prolonged sitting or standing.

     b. Requires occasional stooping, bending and reaching.

     c. Requires the ability to occasionally travel.

     d. Must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.

     e. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

General Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the general operation of the Special Services programs for the district.

2. Administer the policies, rules and regulations of the Board of Education.

3. Provide leadership, information and recommendations to aid the Board of Education in making prudent decisions regarding the operation and management of the Special Services programs.

4. Oversee coordination of shared program responsibilities and liaison with schools and other agencies.

5. Represent the school district in contacts with local, state and federal agencies in matters pertaining to Special Education, Section 504/American Disabilities Act (ADA), McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, and student health services.

6. Supervise the development and administration of the annual Special Services budget.

7. Recommend the use of funds for emergency purposes that have not been specifically identified in the budget.

8. Develop a functioning educational philosophy consistent with the values of the community, teachers, school administration, and Board of Education.

9. Communicate openly and effectively with students, community, staff, and administration. 10. Promote an informed, working relationship between the Special Services department and its patrons.

11. Advocate acceptance of, and provision of services for, students with disabilities.

12. Consult with parents, teachers and administrators in matters pertaining to the education of exceptional children.

13. Develop an atmosphere of respect, interest and enthusiasm within the Special Services department.

14. Recognize and encourage outstanding performance by persons within the Special Services program.

15. Authorize all final Special Services employee recommendations to the Board of Education.

16. Provide leadership in planning and organizing staff development activities designed to promote more effective leadership, improve communication and upgrade instruction.

17. Help to develop a comprehensive curriculum that is aligned to state/national standards and a scope of services that help make the curriculum accessible to all students, in cooperation with staff and district administration.

18. Establish a comprehensive program to evaluate and guide improvement efforts for the operations of the Special Services department.

19. Review and approve referrals to special education, Section 504/American Disabilities Act (ADA), McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, and Homebound programs.

20. Coordinate safe and efficient transportation for students served by the Special Services program.

21. Comply with legal and regulatory requirements of the various governmental agencies. 22. Prepare all reports and application renewals as required by granting agencies.

23. Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques that target students with exceptionalities.

24. Adhere to all district health and safety policies.

25. Perform all duties required by state and federal statues and by Board of Education policy and action.

26. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor, superintendent or the Board of Education.