JOB
SUMMARYUnder the direction of the Associate Superintendent for Special Services, the Director of Special Education Ancillary Services is responsible for the overall development, implementation, and oversight of special education programs, ensuring they meet state standards and individualized education plans (IEPs). The director will provide strategic leadership and oversight for a comprehensive range of support services aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our student population. The Director is responsible for overseeing and managing all ancillary services that support the educational needs of students with disabilities. This includes strategic planning, policy development, compliance monitoring, and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery and continuous improvement of ancillary services across the district.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Other duties may be assigned. Complies with the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession; upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives, regulations, GISD school board policies, as well as local, state and federal regulations.Ensure all special education and ancillary services comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).Oversee the provision of ancillary services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, and other related services.Ensure ancillary services are integrated into students' educational plans and effectively support their academic and developmental goals.Collaborate with ancillary service providers to develop and implement comprehensive support plans tailored to individual student needs.Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and reports related to special education and ancillary services, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with legal requirements.Conduct regular audits and evaluations of programs and services to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement, including frequent campus visits to monitor and follow up on the delivery of special education and ancillary services, ensuring that student needs are being met in accordance with their individualized education plans (IEPs).Verify that all Medicaid reimbursable services are correctly documented and entered into the system in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with Medicaid billing procedures and maximizing reimbursement opportunities.Develop and implement a strategic vision for special education instructional programs and ancillary services that align with the district's goals and priorities. Lead the continuous improvement of special education and ancillary services, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and staying informed about emerging trends and best practices.Set measurable goals and objectives for special education programs and ancillary services, monitoring progress and making data-driven decisions to enhance outcomes.Design and oversee the implementation of evidence-based programs and interventions to support the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of all students.Collaborate with district leadership, school administrators, and community partners to identify emerging needs and opportunities for program enhancement.Collaborate with the district attorneys on legal matters pertaining to special education, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements by providing documentation, reports, and testimony as needed for legal proceedings.Collaborate with district and state agencies to address compliance issues and implement corrective actions as needed by representing the district in meetings, hearings, and other formal proceedings.Provide leadership, supervision, and support to special education coordinators, compliance officers, and other staff members responsible for ensuring compliance with special education laws and regulations.Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the special education services department.Collaborate with district leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve special education compliance and outcomes for students with disabilities.Serve as a liaison between the ancillary services department, Compliance department, district leadership, school-based teams, families, and community partners.Collaborate with general education staff, administrators, and external agencies to ensure coordinated services for students.Recruit, hire, and retain a diverse team of highly qualified professionals, including therapists, psychologists, social workers, and other ancillary service providers.Monitor expenditures, analyze trends, and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.Establish and monitor quality assurance processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based services that meet the needs of students and families.Develop, manage and allocate the departmental budget strategically to ensure equitable access to services to maximize impact in student outcomes in alignment with district priorities and resource constraints while maintaining high-quality services and programs.Build strong relationships with stakeholders to promote collaboration, communication, and shared accountability for student success by promoting awareness and understanding of special education programs and ancillary services within the district and the broader community.Manage contracts with service providers and ensure they meet compliance standards.Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Superintendent of Special Services.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESSupervises Ancillary Staff and Other supervision duties may be assigned by Associate Superintendent for Student Services
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The information required for this job will be documented in a computer. Computer assisted presentations will also be made as a regular part of the job.Maintains emotional control under stress.WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Working with researching information, entering data, or information into a computer requires quietness in the workplace. Working with teachers and principals in classrooms and schools requires tolerance to noise.The Director of Special Education for Ancillary Services will work in an office setting within the school district, with regular travel to various school sites. This role may require attendance at meetings and training sessions outside of regular work hours.