BELLMAWR SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Director of Special Services
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid New Jersey Administrator or Principal Certificate. (0101 or 0200)
- Five (5) years of successful teaching/administrative experience, including two (2) years of administrative experience as a supervisor or director, is preferred.
- Experience serving as a School Psychologist (3100) or Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) (3300) is preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in curriculum development, program evaluation, professional development, and social and emotional learning.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Special Education programs and the NJ Administrative Code.
- Knowledgeable with high-leverage practices in special education instruction.
- Experience with integrating Restorative Practices and PBSIS.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship.
- Pass a physical examination in accordance with statute and board policy.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
POSITION GOALS:
Serves as the educational leader of the Special Services Department, which promotes the Department’s initiatives and the development and sustainability of best practices related to the effective implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) within the framework of Board Policy and all legal guidelines. The Director of Special Services is responsible for coordinating, planning, and aligning materials and resources, instructional program evaluation, personnel management, department professional development, curricular modifications, staff and student scheduling, and effective fiscal management of the Department of Special Services.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides leadership in developing the district's special education program; coordinates and supervises related activities.
- Keeps informed of all legal requirements governing special education, keeps staff informed of legal requirements, and ensures that all requirements under administrative code, state/federal law, and board policy are met.
- Assists in the creation and editing of all curriculum guides and materials for publication, including possible modifications for students with disabilities and students who require differentiation.
- Serves as a member of the child study team based upon the Educational Service Personnel certification (i.e., school social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher-consultant, student assistance coordinator, etc. if needed)
- Assumes responsibility for preparing and timely submitting all required documents and reports to assure district compliance with the legal requirements of this process. Monitors the implementation of IEPs.
- Assist in the selection of appropriate instructional materials and monitors delivery of the instructional program.
- Evaluate existing programs and make recommendations for improvements.
- Assists with reviewing and evaluating the results of district-wide testing programs and other evaluative measures used by the schools.
- Establish and maintain an effective positive social/emotional learning and trauma-informed practices culture within the school.
- Recommends policies and programs essential to the needs of special education children.
- Establishes procedures for evaluation, placement, and reappraisal of students needing special education and/or related services.
- Supervises and coordinates extended school year (ESY) and home instruction for homebound or hospitalized special education pupils.
- Assumes responsibility for district compliance with regulations regarding school special education programs. Plans, develops, and coordinates the district's system of special education services.
- Oversees the development and effective delivery of the district's special education program, including the development and maintenance of the cumulative records of students receiving special services.
- Assume responsibility for his/her continuing professional growth and development by attendance at professional meetings, memberships in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses and by reading professional journals and other publications.
- Interview, recommend for appointment, assign, supervise, and evaluate the performance of all school employees and assist them in achievement of their job goals.
- Conduct observations of teaching staff members, prepare written comments, and offer constructive suggestions for improvement when appropriate.
- Act as a liaison between the school, home, and community; interpret policies, programs, and activities; and encourage community participation. Communicate information to parents and the community required by law or administrative code.
- Maintaining department statistics on referrals, evaluations, classification rates, etc.
- Cooperates with the building principal to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the special services program and the performance of special education staff assigned to each school.
- Coordinating a comprehensive and efficient system of identification of children to the Child Study Team.
- Coordinates Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS ).
- Coordinates the provision of related services (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy) to all students with disabilities per their IEP.
- Arranging for a comprehensive reevaluation of classified students and evaluation of students referred to the Child Study Team in compliance with N.J. Rules and regulations.
- Monitor, assign, and adjust Child Study Team caseloads in consultation with the director.
- Conducting an in-take process for newly referred children to the Child Study Team.
- Coordinates monthly planning meetings with guidance counselors.
- Provide oversight of the district’s choice, enrollment, and registration policies and processes.
- Works with principals to organize and coordinate grade-level and departmental meetings, affecting horizontal and vertical continuity and articulation of the instructional program for special education throughout the district.
Grants Management/State Reporting:
- Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI) and Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC)
- Extraordinary Special Education Aid Application (EXAID)
- IDEA Preschool and Basic Grant Awards
- Coordinates and evaluates a comprehensive program for Homebound Instruction when required (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.8 and 4.9).
- Completes Child Find requirements
Extended School Year Coordinator:
- Provides professional leadership, consultation, and support of the district’s extended school year program and assists teachers to ensure the provision of effective classroom instruction and programming.
Parent/Family/Community Coordinator:
- Meets with parents to discuss the implementation of the IEP and to resolve grievances.
- Coordinates all Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) Meetings
- Initiates, facilitates and maintains liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet pupils' special needs. Refers parents and child to agencies when appropriate.
- Interprets the objectives of the district's special education program to parents, students, staff, and the community.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Twelve months per year
Salary to be determined by the Board of Education negotiation process. The performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with state law and provisions of the board's policy on the evaluation of certified staff.
APPROVED:
Board of Education Date: 04/30/24