Assistant Director of Special Services (26-27)

Assistant Director of Special Services (26-27) JobID: 510 Position Type: Administration/ Director Date Posted: 5/22/2026 Location: District Wide Date Available: 07/20/2026 Closing Date: 06/19/2026 Title: Assistant Director of Special Education for the Intensive Needs Program Reports to: Director of Special Education Employment Terms: Employment terms covering compensation, benefits, and working conditions are specified by the Board of Education's policies, procedures, and agreements. Salary will be commensurate with experience FLSA Status: Exempt Position Overview: The Assistant Director of Special Education for the Intensive Needs Program supports the leadership, coordination, and implementation of specialized services for students with significant disabilities across the district. Reporting to the Director of Special Education, this role ensures that all intensive needs programs, services, and personnel are in full compliance with federal and state regulations and aligned with district goals. The Assistant Director plays a key role in promoting high-quality, individualized supports that meet the complex needs of students served in intensive needs classrooms. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and teaching experience as a special education teacher Master's degree in administration or special education Preferred certification as special education director Knowledge of current research on special education and best educational practices with special needs students. Knowledgeable of instructional techniques that support the academic, emotional, social, and behavioral demands of students with intensive needs Excellent oral and written communication skills Skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management. Demonstrate working effectively with students, parents, community groups, and agencies. Working understanding of Professional Learning Communities is preferred. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Establishes and maintains an effective learning climate in the intensive needs department grades 1-6. Initiates, designs, and implements programs to meet the specific needs of the students. Keeps the Director of Special Education and Building Principals informed of the school's activities and needs. Leads and organizes staff training/professional development specific to the intensive needs classrooms. Facilitates and supervises positive behavioral strategies and behavioral interventions for the intensive needs programs. Makes recommendations concerning the instructional needs of the intensive needs program. Oversee the referral process of students to the Intensive Need program K–6th. Assumes responsibility as the LEA at all IEP meetings held for students in the intensive needs program. Assumes all responsibilities for writing IEPs, contacting Central Office for any IEP transportation changes, and conducting all IEP meetings related to manifestation determinations for designated students at O'Neal Elementary School within the Intensive Needs department. Works with the building principals to make recommendations for disciplinary referrals, according to board policy/due process. Prepares or supervises the preparation of reports, records, lists, and all other paperwork required or appropriate to the Intensive Needs program administration. Assumes responsibility for implementing and observing all Board policies and regulations by the school's staff and students. Maintains active relationships with students and parents. Leads in the development, determination of appropriateness, and monitoring of the instructional practices of the intensive need program. Assists in the development, revisions, and evaluation of curriculum. Assumes responsibility for his/her own professional growth and development through membership and participation in the affairs of professional organizations, through attendance at regional, state, and national meetings, through enrollment in advanced courses, and the like. Keeps abreast of changes and developments in professional journals and other publications that address issues of mutual interest with others in the field. Orients newly assigned staff members and assists in their development, as appropriate. Conducts meetings with the staff as necessary for the proper functioning of the intensive needs department. Counsels all staff members regarding their individual and group performance. Responds to written and oral requests for information. Establishes and maintains favorable relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs. Serves as a member of such committees and attends such meetings as directed by the Director of Special Services, Building Principal, and/ or Superintendent. Delegates authority to responsible personnel to assume responsibility for the school in the absence of the Assistant Director of Special Education/Intensive Needs. Assists in the recruiting, screening, hiring, training, assigning, and evaluating of the school's professional staff. Maintain annual certification in the District-approved de-escalation, restraint, and seclusion procedures. Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors: Ability to stand, walk, and move around for long periods. Ability to see and read, with or without vision aids, a computer screen and printed matter, and to distinguish colors. Sufficient hearing to understand speech at normal room levels, and to hear and understand speech on the telephone. Manual dexterity to operate a telephone and enter data into a computer using both hands. Ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and when addressing groups. Ability to lift, bend, stoop, pull, grasp, and carry a variety of objects of different shapes and sizes. Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to travel to buildings within the district. Able to perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee. Evaluation: This position's performance will be evaluated per the provisions of the Board's policy Disclaimer: The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned. The Board of Education and Administration and/or supervisor has the right to add or change duties at any time. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and fingerprint clearance as required by state law and district policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Poplarbluffschools