Gravette Public Schools 

Position Description

Position Title: Special Education Director and District 504 Coordinator

Department: District Wide

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

Evaluated By: Superintendent of Schools

JOB SUMMARY: The Special Education Director and District 504 Coordinator is responsible for implementing and maintaining all special education programs and 504 services in conformance with District, State, and Federal objectives, rules, and regulations; providing written support and/or conveying information; serving as a resource to patrons, school personnel, and the Board; and, maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESOther duties may be assigned.

• Directs personnel, for the purpose of delivering services that conform to established district, state, and federal guidelines
• Engages in two-way communication with school personnel, parents, community, the Board, and other stakeholders regarding information on programs, services, and regulations and for the purpose of understanding the programs
• Coordinates with the Transportation Department regarding specialized transportation needs, staffing, pick up and drop off times, and training for drivers and aides
• Maintain open lines of communication regarding special services (IDEA and 504) with all interested parties: respond to concerns of parents, teachers, building and central office administrators, and community members in a timely and professional manner
• Maintains a communication network with other special services directors within the state and region
• Collaborates with District school principals, teachers, therapists, and other District leadership for the purpose of determining and setting staffing levels necessary for implementing and maintaining services and/or programs and that support providing high quality services
• Develops proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants for the purpose of meeting District goals
• Works in conjunction with the District Chief Financial Officer to effectively use fiscal resources, prepare budgets, direct spending, and monitor maintenance of effort, for the purpose of providing required services and supporting District goals.
• Prepares documentation and report data to the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Special Education Department for the purpose of conveying information and complying with Federal and State regulations.
• Evaluates District and School Special Education programs. Monitors the implementation of special education services and compliance with district state and federal regulations and guidelines
• Recruits, hires, supervises, and collaborates with building level administrators in the evaluation of District-level special education staff including but not limited to special education teachers, speech language pathologists, educational examiners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and paraprofessionals, for the purpose of carrying out objectives within areas of responsibility in order to ensure students are receiving appropriate high quality instruction and services
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education and 504 best practice, changes in the laws and case law, and effective methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing district programs that support student growth and achievement and are designed to support successful post-school outcomes.
• Collaborates with and serves as liaison to outside agencies, the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Special Education Department, other districts, and community services for the purpose of effectively meeting the needs of students and families
• Coordinates necessary contracts for out-of-district services to guarantee students are provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE)
• Maintains records for students identified under IDEA and 504 securely and in a manner that is accessible to appropriate personnel for delivery and coordination of services
• Serves as a liaison between area private/parochial schools and homeschool families and organizations within the district
• Coordinates the training of regular and special education staff including instructional assistants for the purpose of assuring well-trained personnel prepared to meet student needs through activities including, but not limited to, personal care, academic support, behavioral support
• Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining Special Education and 504 services of the District
• Implements assigned programs and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives
• Develops and initiates programs for continuous identification of exceptional children.
• Evaluates existing programs as an on-going responsibility, and recommends changes and additions as needed.
• Develops procedures for IDEA and 504 referral, securing of medical reports and other required documentation, psychological examination, and placement.
• Directs the Arkansas Medicaid Administrative Claiming (ARMAC) process and direct billing of Medicaid-eligible special education services provided by the district, for the purpose of gaining fiscal resources
• Advises the Superintendent regarding special education and 504 matters
• Assists in the revision or development of Board policy proposals related to special education and/or 504 services as is needed or required, for the purpose of assuring program consistency and compliance with state and federal rules in all locations
• Reports to the Board on special education matters as directed by the Superintendent
• Attends Board meetings, administrator meetings, and other meetings as designated by the Superintendent 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises employees in the Special Education Department and 504 services and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of services provided for students identified under IDEA or 504. Collaborates with building administrators and District supervisor on the supervision and evaluation of classified employees working with special education students. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; oversees Section 504.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Arkansas Educator’s license for P-12. Must include the area of Curriculum Program Administration/Special Education.

3 years teaching experience in Special Education. Meets requirements for Highly Qualified Teacher designation, if applicable to the teaching assignment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, administrators, staff and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Knowledge of, and ability to use, programs such as Excel is an essential skill for this position.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

Ability to use technology to support instruction; access and manipulate data; enhance professional growth and productivity; communicate and collaborate with colleges, parents and the community; and conduct research/solve problems.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Ability to work collaboratively with principals along with other department and district leadership, to implement and monitor special education programs and 504 services; ability to work in a supportive, collaborative role with staff in all departments and offices; ability to interface with other departments to coordinate reciprocal services for achieving special education goals; ability to interpret and remain current on all federal, state, and local mandates for special education and Section 504 services and to ensure that the school division is in compliance; handle confidential information discretely and professionally; use discretion and exercise sound judgment; exceptional public relations/interpersonal skills to respond to parents and advocacy groups and to serve as the school district’s lead representative/contact person of programs for special needs students; effective management, supervisory, team-building, and problem solving skills; ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies; ability to maintain confidentiality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly required to sit, stand, walk, heel, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull up to 100 pounds. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.