Assistant Director of Special Education

Job Description 

Assistant Director of Special Education 

Reports To: Special Education Director 

Purpose: 

The Assistant Director is responsible for directing and supervising the delivery of programs and services through area administration; providing information and serving as a resource to others; achieving defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing, and maintaining services in compliance with established guidelines; and serving as a member of the Keystone leadership team. 

I. Essential Functions: 

Confer with a variety of personnel (e.g., administrators, auditors, public agencies, community members, etc.) in assigned local districts in order to assist them in the provision of special education services that are of good quality and in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Provide information regarding Keystone priorities and expectations to staff and respond to questions and concerns to maximize their effectiveness in the provision of special education services. 

Compiles data from a variety of sources (e.g., assessment data, enrollment figures, etc.) for the purpose of developing and evaluating programs while complying with financial, legal, and administrative requirements. 

Coordinates operations among schools in the area for the purpose of ensuring that organizational and area objectives are achieved and resources are efficiently and effectively used. 

Directs a wide variety of related activities (e.g., department operations, maintenance of services, implementation of new programs and processes, etc.) for the purpose of providing services within established requirements.  

Facilitates meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. (e.g., personnel actions, financial procedures, regulatory requirements, actions involving outside agencies, inter-area needs, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, and supporting other staff. 

Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g., staff meetings, workshops, leadership team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform functions. 

Presents information on a variety of topics (e.g., financial information, overviews of programs and services, policies and procedures, etc.) for the purpose of providing general information, training staff, and implementing actions, etc.

Responds to inquiries from a variety of stakeholders (e.g., staff, district personnel, Board of Directors, other professional organizations, etc.) for the purpose of resolving problems, providing information, and referring to appropriate personnel.

Assure that evaluation of Keystone special education staff occurs as required by state statute. 

Through staff evaluations, make recommendations to the Board concerning the continued employment or nonrenewal of Keystone staff members. 

II. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications 

SKILLS Perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including a variety of software applications; planning and managing projects; and preparing and maintaining accurate records. 

KNOWLEDGE  Perform advanced math; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and regulations; personnel processes; special education process; program planning and development; and principles of best educational practices and learning styles. 

ABILITY Schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data using defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. ork with  diverse individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes.Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups and individuals; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with detailed information. 

III. Personnel Recruitment Objectives: 

Confer with local districts and Keystone administrators in determining special education staff needs. 

Assist in implementing NEKESC policies and procedures and maintain personnel records for special education staff.

Performs personnel functions (e.g., interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel, and achieving objectives within budget. 

IV. Professional Development Objectives: 

Collaborate with Keystone and local administrators in planning and implementing staff development activities that      will enable all staff to have the necessary skills and understandings to carry out their assigned jobs and will assure special education services that are of good quality and in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Promote the priorities of the Keystone and local districts by gaining the expertise to provide staff training and coaching on identified areas of emphasis. 

  Provide coaching and mentoring to Keystone staff. 

V. Program Evaluation Objectives: 

Continuously monitor the current status and needs of the Keystone local district special education services in relation to federal and state regulations, judicial interpretations, and local district school improvement plans. Collaborate with the Keystone administrative team and local district administrators in developing recommendations concerning changes in policies, procedures, or job descriptions necessary to assure compliance and quality services. Provide technical assistance and problem solving to local districts to assure compliance and quality services. 

VI. Additional Responsibilities: 

Maximize efficiency of the Keystone administrative team by dividing and sharing responsibilities based on individual abilities and preferences. These duties may include Media Center supervision, paraeducator facilitator, facilitating assistive technology evaluations and purchases, supervising the Professional Development Council, supervising the MIS and Medicaid personnel, ECE Resource Library supervision, coordinating the WebKIDSS IEP program, Coordinating ECSE services, supervising departmental meetings, supervising special projects and initiatives, and other assignments as requested by the Special Education Director. 

VII. Work Environment: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands, occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds some pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. 

Core requirements: 

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required. 

Education: Masters degree in a job-related area. 

Equivalency: Required Testing Certificates and Licenses as a building/district level administrator 

Drivers License and Evidence of Insurability 

Continuing Education / Training Clearances

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