Director of Special Education

Director Of Special Education

Assists the Executive Director of Special Education in managing the operation of special education services and functions as an integral part of the Education Team. Supervises Special Education Administrators and Special Education Staff. Ensures that all actions are in concert with the Board policies as well as the mission statement, beliefs, objectives, and parameters found in the Board's strategic plan. Participates in job training and professional growth opportunities in order to enhance ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Special Education to provide support to all stakeholders with regards to special education procedures, laws and best practice in order to facilitate compliance with local policy, state and federal regulations related to special education. Coordinates and directs the identification, placement, IEP development, and procedural safeguards of all students with disabilities who are eligible to receive special education assistance. Collaborates with the Executive Director of Special Education to implement a curriculum for students with special needs that is aligned with District goals and state standards. Assists in the oversight and/or support special education programs and related services. Hires, supervises, and evaluates District-level special education staff. Directs personnel, for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelines. Provides consultation to staff in the district and individual building levels pertaining to procedures, services, and programming. Implements conflict resolution and team building skills in a variety of situations with staff, families, and community agencies. Assists in the coordination and preparation of due process and mediation related issues in collaboration with the Executive Director of Special Education. Coordinates and provide consultation on staff evaluations to the building administrators. Assists the Executive Director of Special Education in the preparation of the department's budget related to areas of responsibility. Assists in the coordination of special education transportation. In conjunction with the Executive Director of Special Education, monitors and corrects areas of district non-compliance with state and federal regulations in the areas of assigned responsibility. Maintains effective communication with parents, teachers, principals, and community service agencies to determine areas in need of attention in the assigned areas of responsibility. Maintains an active communications flow with the Human Resources Department to recruit, interview, and retain special education staff. Develops proposals, programming, budgets, and grants for the purpose of meeting the District's Strategic Plan and goals. Provides updates to the Board of Education as requested. Allocates and assigns equitable FTE distribution for special education programs in all district schools. Directs the Medicaid Administrative Claiming process and direct billing of Medicaid-eligible special education services provided by the district, for the purpose of gaining fiscal resources.

Master's Degree and certification in accordance with the School Code of the State of Illinois for Special Education Administration. Ability to demonstrate qualities aligned to our core values of Character, Communication, Collaboration and Continuous Improvement. Demonstrated success in collaborating effectively with others. Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of Illinois and federal education laws/regulations and district policies. Experience with facilitating large and small groups and working with adult learners. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills.