Director of Special Services

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
7/27/2026

Location:
Child Study Team

Date Available:
09/01/2026

Closing Date:
08/07/2026
GARFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE

Director of Special Services

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Valid New Jersey School Administrator, Principal, or School Administrator Certificate of Eligibility or Standard Certificate.
2. New Jersey Teacher of Students with Disabilities and/or appropriate Special Education certification preferred.
3. Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred.
4. Thorough knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), N.J.A.C. 6A:14, ESSA, and all applicable federal and state regulations.
5. Demonstrated experience in program development, budget preparation, personnel supervision, and instructional leadership.
6. Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and collaborative leadership skills.
7. Criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

REPORTS TO

Superintendent of Schools

SUPERVISES

Child Study Team members, Special Education Teachers, Related Service Providers, Behavioral Specialists, Department Supervisors as assigned, Secretarial Staff, and all other personnel assigned to the Department of Special Services.

JOB GOAL

To provide visionary leadership, direction, coordination, and supervision for the District's Special Services Department while ensuring that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations. The Director shall oversee all special education programs and services while promoting inclusive educational opportunities, instructional excellence, fiscal responsibility, compliance, and positive relationships among staff, students, families, and community agencies.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Special Services shall:

Leadership and Administration

1. Provide leadership for all district special education programs, services, and initiatives.
2. Develop, implement, and evaluate district goals for Special Services.
3. Recommend policies and administrative procedures to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
4. Ensure compliance with all federal and state special education laws, regulations, and Board policies.
5. Maintain a comprehensive continuum of programs and services for students with disabilities.
6. Promote inclusive educational practices and access to the general education curriculum.
7. Supervise and evaluate the Assistant Director of Special Services and department personnel.
8. Coordinate the work of Child Study Teams throughout the district.
9. Foster collaboration between general education and special education staff.
10. Participate as a member of the Superintendent's administrative leadership team.

Compliance

1. Ensure district compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, N.J.A.C. 6A:14, and all NJDOE regulations.
2. Oversee implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
3. Ensure all evaluations and reevaluations are completed within mandated timelines.
4. Monitor compliance with procedural safeguards.
5. Ensure proper implementation of manifestation determinations.
6. Supervise the district's response to state monitoring activities.
7. Prepare corrective action plans as required.
8. Maintain accurate documentation for audits and monitoring.
9. Coordinate all required NJDOE special education reporting.
10. Monitor compliance with Medicaid reimbursement requirements, where applicable.

Student Services

1. Oversee Child Study Team operations.
2. Supervise identification, referral, evaluation, classification, and placement procedures.
3. Review recommendations for special education eligibility.
4. Ensure appropriate placement decisions based on student needs.
5. Coordinate extended school year (ESY) programming.
6. Supervise preschool special education services.
7. Oversee transition planning for secondary students.
8. Coordinate services for students placed in approved private schools and out-of-district placements.
9. Review requests for independent educational evaluations.
10. Ensure appropriate related services are delivered.

Personnel

1. Recruit, interview, recommend, and retain highly qualified staff.
2. Supervise and evaluate certified and non-certified staff assigned to the department.
3. Provide mentoring and support to administrators and staff.
4. Recommend staffing levels based upon student enrollment and program needs.
5. Coordinate substitute coverage when necessary.
6. Develop professional development opportunities for department personnel.
7. Promote continuous professional growth.

Fiscal Management

1. Prepare and administer the Special Services budget.
2. Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility.
3. Prepare grant applications and oversee grant implementation.
4. Monitor IDEA grant expenditures.
5. Review contracts for related service providers.
6. Recommend purchases of instructional materials and equipment.
7. Oversee tuition budgets for out-of-district placements.
8. Coordinate transportation needs related to special education services.

Legal Responsibilities

1. Coordinate responses to due process petitions and mediation requests.
2. Work collaboratively with Board attorneys regarding special education matters.
3. Prepare documentation required for hearings.
4. Attend mediation sessions, settlement conferences, and due process hearings as appropriate.
5. Resolve parent concerns whenever possible through collaborative problem-solving.
6. Maintain confidentiality of student records.

Curriculum and Instruction

1. Support implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.
2. Collaborate with curriculum supervisors regarding instructional programming.
3. Promote Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive practices.
4. Monitor student achievement and program effectiveness.
5. Recommend instructional resources for students with disabilities.

Parent and Community Relations

1. Develop positive relationships with parents and guardians.
2. Serve as the district liaison with outside agencies.
3. Coordinate services with county, state, and community organizations.
4. Attend parent meetings as necessary.
5. Respond promptly to parent concerns and inquiries.
6. Promote family engagement initiatives.

Program Development

1. Evaluate existing special education programs.
2. Recommend new programs based upon district needs.
3. Analyze student achievement and program data.
4. Develop long-range plans for Special Services.
5. Coordinate implementation of new state and federal initiatives.
6. Ensure equitable access to district programs.

Operational Responsibilities

1. Coordinate district crisis response involving students with disabilities.
2. Assist with residency, homeless, foster care, and other student service matters as assigned.
3. Prepare reports for the Superintendent and Board of Education.
4. Attend Board meetings as requested.
5. Maintain accurate departmental records.
6. Coordinate annual program reviews.
7. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Twelve-month position. Salary, benefits, and terms of employment shall be established by the Board of Education in accordance with the negotiated administrative contract.

EVALUATION

Performance shall be evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with Board policy, administrative regulations, and applicable New Jersey statutes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.