Supervisor of Special Education

Supervisor of Special Education

Garfield Heights City Schools is seeking a Supervisor of Special Education to supervise the identification of special education services for all students with qualifying disabilities in the school district in compliance with federal special education law, Ohio Rules for Education of Children With Disabilities, and Ohio Policies and Procedures for the Education of Children with Disabilities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensure safety of students
• Coordinate the special education program for all children with disabilities in the school district
• Direct the implementation of federal law and Ohio rules for educating children with disabilities
• Coordinate, channel, schedule and review requests for intervention assistance and multifactored evaluations, including case status and progress to final disposition of the referral
• Monitor the placement of students with disabilities in schools outside of the district and the resulting transportation
• Responsible for reviewing cases pertaining to the alternative placement of pupils
• Attend IEP conferences
• Assist in developing and maintaining complete cumulative individual records of all children recommended to receive special education services or those enrolled in special education
• Interpret the goals and programs of the special education program
• Serve as the district liaison for the preschool program
• Maintain a working knowledge of the due dates for Multifactored Evaluation and Individualized Education Plan for all students with disabilities
• Assist in initiating, coordinating, and monitoring educational reform and instruction for special education
• Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner
• Cooperate with Superintendent in the development and implementation of administrative and Board policies
• Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., student IEP's, testing information, student and staff information
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
• Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
• Coordinate with staff to assure Individualized Education Plans are complete in an effective and timely manner
• Assist EMIS coordinator in compiling and maintaining necessary forms for accurate reporting of special education and assessment of children with disabilities
• In coordination with Guidance Counselors and special education staff, schedule disabled students for required district and state assessments in compliance with IEP specifications
• Assist Principals, Guidance Counselors and teachers in developing staff and student schedules that facilitate effective provision of a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for all students with disabilities
• Maintain an accurate and working knowledge of the mechanics of the educational programming for students with disabilities at the district, building and classroom levels
• Coordinate staff completion of necessary forms
• Schedule meetings and issue appropriate invitations
• Assist in coordination with administrators, psychologist, and related personnel services with administrators, psychologist, and related personnel services
• Conduct meetings at various buildings
• Complete necessary documentation
• Follow up contact with parents/agencies and staff, as needed
• Assist in coordination, development, and maintenance of complete child information management systems individual records of all students identified with disabilities
• Assist in monitoring the placement of students identified with disabilities receiving services in schools outside the district; coordinate transportation needs
• Assist in monitoring students outside the district; facilitate multifactored evaluation teams and attend individualized education plan meetings
• Assist in monitoring daily classroom instructional responsibilities designated to assist with serving students with disabilities in inclusion settings as directed by the superintendent
• Supervise district Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist in coordinating activities related to special education services and specific students with disabilities between the school district and outside agencies
• Assist in developing districtwide policies concerning special education programs
• Advise all personnel on rules and regulations pertaining to special education
• Write grants related to special education programs and services
• Attend meetings and in-services as required
• Maintain a working knowledge of current best practices related to special education topics
• Facilitate professional development opportunities as required
• Assist special education teachers in aligning curriculum, as appropriate, with current district courses of study and state proficiency objectives
• Assist in maintaining a database of district students identified with disabilities
• Coordinate with administrators in reviewing cases pertaining to discipline issues and alternative placement of students with disabilities
• Represent the district at local, state and regional activities/committees upon the request of the Superintendent
• Assist teachers, Guidance Counselors, and administrators in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans for students

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree (M.A.) or higher
• Administrative experience required (valid Ohio Licensure)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills
• Organizational and problem solving skills
• Knowledge of IDEIA and preschool rules
• Knowledge of best practices related to special education programs and services
• Experience teaching and/or coordinating special education programs
• Computer skills with knowledge of software for presentations and use with students
• Ability to operate various office equipment
• Commitment to education of students with disabilities
• Experience writing Individualized Education Plans
• Knowledge of Differentiated Referral System, Response to Intervention, Multifactored Evaluation Team Meeting, and Individualized Education Plan processes and forms
• Working knowledge of federal and state special education law and Ohio Policies and Procedures for the Education of Children with Disabilities

Equipment Operated:

• Computer/printer
• Copy/fax machine
• Technology equipment
• Motor vehicle
• Telephone

Additional Working Conditions:

• Frequent weekend/evening/occasional summer work
• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue
• Occasional interaction among unruly children
• Occasional operation of a vehicle in inclement weather conditions
• Occasional repetitive hand motion, e.g., computer keyboard, typing, calculator, writing
• Occasional requirement to travel, both daily and overnight
• Frequent travel between buildings
• Occasional requirement to sit, stand, walk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, and stoop
• Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push, and pull various supplies and equipment up to a maximum of 25 pounds