Director of Special Services

Position Title: Director of Special Services Department: Special Services Reports To: Superintendent FLSA Status: Exempt Days of Work: 240 General Summary Under limited supervision, directs, coordinates, and supervises all programs and services related to Special Education, Section 504, related services, student support services, and school nursing services for the District. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing special services programs while supporting student achievement and equitable access to educational opportunities. Provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to special services staff, nurses, administrators, teachers, and support personnel in the implementation of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Essential Functions Coordinates and supervises the District's Special Education programs and services in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and Board policies. Provides leadership and oversight for school nursing services and supervises district nurses and health-related services. Ensures compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Medicaid, FERPA, and all applicable state and federal regulations. Coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and related student support plans. Monitors student data, program effectiveness, compliance indicators, and progress toward District goals for students receiving special services. Assists principals and school-based staff with the interpretation and implementation of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to special services. Provides leadership in identifying, developing, and implementing instructional programs, interventions, and support services for students with disabilities and other exceptional needs. Coordinates and facilitates professional development for teachers, administrators, nurses, paraprofessionals, and related services personnel. Supervises and evaluates assigned special services personnel and nursing staff in accordance with District procedures and state guidelines. Collaborates with school administrators, teachers, parents, agencies, and community organizations to ensure effective delivery of services to students. Oversees the referral, evaluation, eligibility, placement, and reevaluation processes for students receiving special education services. Coordinates homebound instruction and related support services as required. Assists with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and retaining highly qualified special services and nursing personnel. Develops and manages the Special Services budget and ensures appropriate use of federal, state, and local funds. Prepares and submits required reports, documentation, grants, and compliance records to state and federal agencies in a timely manner. Maintains accurate records and ensures confidentiality of student and personnel information. Assists in the development and revision of policies, procedures, and guidelines related to special services and student support services. Provides support and guidance regarding student discipline issues involving students with disabilities, manifestation determinations, and due process procedures. Serves as the District liaison for special services and nursing-related matters with outside agencies, organizations, and stakeholders. Responds appropriately to emergencies, complaints, concerns, and requests for information related to special services programs and student health services. Keeps abreast of developments, trends, best practices, and legal requirements in special education, student services, and school health services. Attends Board meetings, administrative meetings, IEP meetings, professional conferences, and other meetings as assigned by the Superintendent. Recognizes and follows the appropriate procedures in the "chain of command" as designated by Board policies and administrative procedures. Presents a positive image of the District at all times. Willingly performs other related duties as assigned by the Superintendent. Job Specifications Education and Experience Master's Degree from an accredited college or university required. Valid South Carolina certification in Special Education Administration, Educational Leadership, or related field required. Minimum of five (5) years successful experience in special education or student support services required. Administrative or supervisory experience preferred. Experience supervising nursing or health services personnel preferred. Knowledge Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures governing Special Education, Section 504, ADA, Medicaid, and related services. Knowledge of instructional strategies, intervention programs, behavior management, and support services for students with disabilities. Knowledge of school nursing practices, student health procedures, and applicable health regulations. Knowledge of budget preparation and financial management procedures. Knowledge of District policies, procedures, and organizational structure. Knowledge of data analysis, compliance monitoring, and program evaluation methods. Knowledge of effective leadership, supervision, and staff development practices. Skills/Effort Ability to provide leadership and direction for District-wide special services programs. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with students, parents, staff, administrators, agencies, and the community. Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and make sound decisions. Ability to supervise and evaluate staff effectively. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters professionally. Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines. Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology applications used in daily activities. Ability to travel between District sites and attend meetings, trainings, and conferences as required. Working Conditions Conducts duties in an office and school environment with some exposure to environmental conditions. Requires the ability to work under moderate to high levels of stress associated with responsibilities, deadlines, compliance requirements, and interaction with students, parents, and staff. Physical demands include extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting/moving of items weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasional local and out-of-district travel may be required. Job requires operation of standard office equipment and technology devices. Responsibility Responsible for oversight and administration of District Special Services programs and nursing services. Supervises assigned Special Services personnel, nurses, related services staff, and support personnel. Responsible for monitoring and managing assigned federal, state, and local budgets and resources. Responsible for ensuring District compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and reporting requirements. Terms of Employment The terms of employment detailed in this job description are based on full-time employment for a 240-day work year. Conditions of employment are adjusted for part-time employees or individuals hired for less than the full work year. Evaluation Performance of this job will be evaluated annually according to Board Policy and administrative procedures. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr