Director of Special Services

Position Type:
Administration

Date Posted:
8/27/2026

Location:
District Office

Date Available:
2026-2027

Closing Date:
09/03/2026
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Reports To: Superintendent


Employment Status: Certified Administrative


Contract: 260-Day Annual Contract


FLSA Status: Exempt


POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Special Services provides district-wide leadership, administration, supervision, and coordination of special education and related student services. The Director ensures that programs and services for students with disabilities comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Ohio law, Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities, Board policy, and other applicable requirements.


The Director serves as the District's primary administrative resource for special education and works collaboratively with the Superintendent, administrators, staff, families, and outside agencies to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate services and a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).


QUALIFICATIONS

1. Valid Ohio administrative license appropriate for the position.


2. Master's degree in Educational Administration, Special Education, or related field. 3. Successful teaching and administrative experience; special education experience strongly preferred.


4. Knowledge of federal and Ohio special education laws, regulations, procedures, and best practices.


5. Knowledge of IEPs, evaluations, related services, Section 504, behavioral supports, transition services, and special education programming and all applicable laws. 6. Demonstrated leadership, supervision, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


7. Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.


8. Ability to effectively work with students, families, staff, administrators, community agencies, and outside providers.


9. Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment. 10. Valid driver's license.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide district-wide leadership, direction, and oversight of special education programs, related services, and Section 504 services.


2. Ensure District compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities, Board policies, and other applicable federal and state requirements.


3. Monitor special education processes and timelines, including Child Find, evaluations and reevaluations, eligibility determinations, IEPs, progress reporting, Prior Written Notices, procedural safeguards, and Manifestation Determination Reviews.


4. Ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate specially designed instruction, accommodations, related services, behavioral supports, and access to a continuum of services in the Least Restrictive Environment.


5. Provide leadership and guidance to administrators and staff regarding IEP development and implementation, evaluations, discipline, FBA/BIP processes, Section 504, inclusive practices, and other special education matters.


6. Oversee district-wide specialized staff and special education related services, including school psychology, speech-language services, occupational and physical therapy, specialized transportation, parent mentor, and other services required by student IEPs.


7. Coordinate and monitor students receiving services through outside placements, private providers, Educational Service Centers, and other agencies.


8. Collaborate with building administrators in the supervision, evaluation, assignment, and support of Intervention Specialists, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and other special education personnel.


9. Analyze caseloads, student needs, service requirements, and enrollment data and make recommendations regarding staffing, programming, and allocation of resources. 10. Plan and provide professional development to administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service personnel regarding special education compliance and effective instructional practices.


11. Monitor special education data and collaborate with EMIS personnel to ensure accurate and timely reporting of required state and federal information.


12. Coordinate District preparation and response for state monitoring, audits, complaints, corrective action plans, mediation, due process matters, and other special education compliance activities.


13. Develop and administer special education budgets, grants, contracts, purchased services, Medicaid-related services, and other fiscal resources in collaboration with the Superintendent and Treasurer.


14. Facilitate collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution with parents/guardians, staff, administrators, and outside agencies regarding student programming and services. 15. Coordinate secondary transition services and collaborate with community agencies and organizations to support students as they transition to postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.


16. Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, guidance, and best practices affecting special education and communicate relevant changes to District personnel.

17. Develop, review, and implement District procedures and practices to ensure consistent and legally compliant special education services across all District buildings. 18. Establish systems for improvement and oversee the district's special education profile and any corrective actions.


19. Serve as a member of the District administrative leadership team and advise the Superintendent regarding special education programming, compliance, staffing, fiscal needs, student services, and emerging issues.


20. Collaborate with curriculum, instruction, transportation, technology, student services, and building leadership to ensure students with disabilities are appropriately supported in all District programs and activities.


21. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, State Support Team, Educational Service Centers, community agencies, families, and other organizations supporting students with disabilities.


22. Attend Board of Education meetings and provide reports or presentations as requested by the Superintendent.


23. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.


EVALUATION

Performance shall be evaluated by the Superintendent in accordance with Board policy, administrative procedures, and applicable Ohio requirements.