Executive Director of Special Services

Description/Notes:
Primary Purpose:
Oversee the administration, coordination, and supervision of the Districts Special Education program including, but
not limited to, Special Education Leadership, Itinerant Evaluation and Related Services Staff, Regional Day School
Program for the Deaf, Homebound/Hospital Services, and Adult Transition Services.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional and Program Management
1. Provide visionary leadership and support for the Districts Department for Special Education Services.
2. Continuously audit the effectiveness of the Districts special education services.
3. Oversee the development and delivery of special education general and modified curriculum to ensure that all instructional programs incorporate district goals and support student achievement.
4. Develop and implement an effective special education special education referral process and ensure that student evaluations and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
5. Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district-wide to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
6. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to determine special education program effectiveness and make changes when warranted.
7. Make appropriate recommendations for compliance, innovation, and identified needs.
8. Provide guidance in compliance for curriculum and instructional practices and needs; recommend programmatic and staff changes.
9. Coordinate, collaborate with and provide assistance to district and campus level administration for all areas associated with special education services.
10. Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting the District.
11. Work with staff in program evaluation, design, interpretation of data, and scientific decision-making strategies.

Policy, Reports and Law
12. Attend Board meetings and prepare reports.
13. Adhere to District, local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and policies.
14. Administer Board policies and rules relating to special education.
15. Provide direction to staff and keep staff informed as to policies, applicable laws, interpretation of court decisions, regulations, and rules affecting the Department for Special Education Services.
16. Work collaboratively with the Districts legal team.

Budget and Inventory
17. Assist in the preparation and administration of department budgets.
18. Ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
Communication and Community Relations
19. Utilize effective verbal and written communication regarding dissemination of program information to professional staff, school personnel, parents, Board of Trustees and the Superintendents Leadership Team.
20. Provide direction and information to the Board of Trustees and the Superintendents Leadership Team on issues specific to special education and related services.
21. Maintain liaison and active participation with regional, state, and national educational leaders.
22. Work to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with parents/guardians, campus administrators, district administrators and other stakeholders.
Professional Growth
23. Keep current on development of inclusion options, federal guidelines and recent trends in the delivery of special education services.
24. Conduct ongoing needs assessment of necessary training and work with leadership team.
25. Prepare, recommend and participate in professional development, as applicable, for campus staff and administrators, itinerant special education staff and district level staff members.
26. Seek opportunities for personal professional growth which support the position and duties. The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Other
27. Assume responsibility for the organization and operation of work within the area of supporting students and staff working with students receiving special education services.
28. Direct and facilitate planning and application of emerging technologies within the curriculum and instructional program.
29. Use evaluation data to guide decisions for special education program improvement.
30. Develop staffing allocation recommendations through collaborative decision-making, based on student need.
31. Oversee the development of evaluation instruments to guide program improvement and to monitor student progress.
32. Make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, transfer, retention, and dismissal.
33. Collaborate with Human Resources Department to participate in the recruitment and retention process for positions in special education.
34. Recommend and approve contracted services for students receiving special education services outside of the district.
35. Interpret the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the implementation of special education services.
36. Articulate the districts mission and goals for Special Education Services to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
37. Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Terrell ISD and follow directives from supervisors.
38. Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor.
39. Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor.
40. Maintain friendly customer service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.
41. Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.
42. Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communications (i.e., email, written, and verbal)
43. Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate the performance of special education leadership and/or effectively delegate this responsibility
Working conditions:
Mental demands/Physical demands/Environmental factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress.
Daily in-person attendance is an essential function for this position

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Masters degree in Special Education or other
related field
Valid Texas Principal certificate (preferred)
Valid Texas Special Education certificate or license in a related field

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements associated with special
education
Working knowledge of curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities
Ability to evaluate programs, teaching effectiveness
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to lead a team

Experience:
Three (3) years of successful experience as a classroom teacher or related experience in special education
Three (3) years of successful service in an instructional leadership role
Five (5) years campus and/or central office administrative experience (preferred)

How To Apply:
www.terrellisd.org