Director of Specialized Instruction

Position Type :

Administration / Director of Special Services

Date Posted : 12 / 16 / 2024

Location :

Clarendon County School District

Date Available : 07 / 01 / 2025

JOB TITLE : Director of Specialized Instruction

FLSA : Exempt

Days of Work : 240

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under limited supervision, directs the special services programs for the District. Assists the Superintendent in the task of providing leadership in developing, achieving and maintaining the best possible educational programs and services in order to ensure that each Special Education student is provided with the richest education experience possible. Plans, directs and implements the special education curricula Clarendon County School District. Reports to the Superintendent.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs, plans, coordinates, and implements a comprehensive special education services program which includes homebound instruction to ensure appropriate instructional experiences for special education identified students.

Directs, plans, coordinates, and implements a comprehensive Gifted and Talented Education program to ensure appropriate instructional experiences.

Guides development, implementation and evaluation of special education curricular and instructional services. Serves District administrative personnel as technical consultant and advisor regarding curricula and other types of programs for students with special needs.

Provides staff leadership to special education instructional personnel to ensure their understanding and implementation of educational objectives of the District.

Maintains complete confidential files on all students referred for an / or receiving special services and implement Board policy regarding information control and student records access.

Recommends hiring, supervises, and completes summative evaluations for District-level school psychologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.

Works as needed with directors, principals and teachers in organizing and coordinating grade level, subject area and departmental meetings in order to affect horizontal and vertical continuity and articulation of the special education instructional program throughout the District.

Demonstrates the ability to train and observe for effectiveness in teaching, for the purpose of teacher evaluation.

Supervises various types of screening programs dealing with handicapped students which may be required by the District or the State Department of Education. Demonstrates the ability to supervise, plan and implement a comprehensive program of psychological services for students, parents, and school staff.

Responsible for co-writing Improvement Plans for special education staff (including teachers, specialists or paraprofessionals.)

Supervises the District's multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).

Reviews policies and procedures for 504 referrals and provides leadership to staff for the development of 504 plans.

Assumes responsibility for keeping the District in compliance with the state and federal regulations regarding programs for the handicapped. Interprets and formulates pertinent policy and procedures in response to legislation and provides related advice to administrators, employees and staff; recommends new or revised policies and / or procedures as warranted.

Accurately prepares all reports and project proposals to the State Department of Education in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Accurately compiles and maintains written records and reports concerning special education and disseminates to the appropriate source. Effectively supervises the Medicaid reimbursement program for the school District.

Coordinates contracted services for students' education in other District programs, multi-district programs, private programs, or other facilities. Demonstrates the ability to establish procedure for referral, evaluation, placement and re-evaluation of students in regard to the special education services. Participates in consultations as needed.

Demonstrates the ability to develop a budget for Special Services and allocates funds within budget limits to accomplish objectives. Keeps abreast of availability of funds (federal or otherwise) for projects and develops or assists in the development of such project proposals as are needed to obtain grants.

Is effective in communicating with parents, coworkers, administrators, psychologists, nurses, agency personnel, etc. concerning the District's special education instructional and operational programs. Assists the building level administrators with the implementation of special services programs in each school.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in Special Education or Education Administration or a related discipline with a minimum of five years of experience in Special Education or School Administration; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess a valid Teaching Certificate and a South Carolina driver's license.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge :

Knowledgeable of all state and federal regulations and compliance requirements applicable to special education. Knowledge of the records, forms and reports which must be prepared and maintained. Knowledge of proper maintenance of equipment, materials and supplies used in daily activities. Has thorough and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of special education including identification, evaluation, placement, etc. Knowledgeable in planning and formulating budgets and monitoring related expenditures. Basic legal knowledge pertaining to the education of handicapped students. Knowledge of grants and state-mandated programs related to training for certificated District personnel. Strong knowledge of word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, electronic file management, the internet, and reporting and presentation software. Knows how to keep abreast of changes in policy, standards, procedures, and regulations pertinent to special services functions.

Skills / Effort :

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply state and federal regulations related to special education. Ability to operate general office equipment in the performance of daily activities. Ability to effectively apply knowledge of special education to programs, services, and curricula. Ability to communicate effectively with students and their parents, District staff, and all other groups involved in the activities of the job. Advanced management, organizational, human relations, communications and interpersonal skills. Ability to instruct others through explanation, demonstration and supervised practice, and / or make recommendations on the basis of technical disciplines. Ability to prepare and monitor the department budget. Ability to create electronic reports and presentations, use the internet efficiently, communicate electronically via e-mail, and manage electronic data and files in an organized manner. Ability to complete, process, and maintain all required records, reports, and confidential personnel information. Ability to operate general office equipment such as a computer, calculator, copier, etc.

Additional Physical, Cognitive, and Other Requirements :

Duties involve work in a school or office environment that includes sedentary duties in addition to some standing and walking. Must be able to talk, read and hear, and effectively perceive and exchange information in a variety of oral, written and / or printed formats. Requires the ability to apply judgment and complex logic in defining problems, collecting information, and drawing valid conclusions that may have a wide organizational impact. Must make sound decisions related to program and curriculum development, budget and grant administration, personnel, public relations, instructional technology, etc. Must read, interpret and apply complex policies, procedures, legal information, and scientific, financial or academic documents and reports. Must effectively exert influence and apply effective leadership principles in diagnosing problems, making recommendations and supervising others. Duties require successful adaption to stressors, emergencies, volatile situations, tight deadlines, etc. Must be able to record and exchange complex data, follow or deliver detailed verbal or written instructions, and make presentations to large groups, including the public and Board of Trustees. Duties require the ability to conduct performance appraisals, prepare and interpret complex studies, records and reports, and develop policies, procedures, strategic plans, etc. Must prepare correspondence and enter data in correct form including proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Must possess the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, determine decimals and percents, use mathematical formulas and apply advanced statistical analysis. Must be able to compare and analyze information in numeric or symbolic form, and appropriately process color, depth and spatial relationships. Must have sufficient hand, eye and foot coordination to use or operate standard office equipment, items, and supplies. Duties of the job require routine keyboard operations and the frequent use of a computer monitor and related equipment. Duties may involve the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis.

Working Conditions :

Work is conducted primarily indoors with limited exposure to environmental conditions. Requires the ability to work under a degree of stress related duties that require constant attention and / or tight deadlines. Moderate exertion in lifting and moving items weighing up to twenty-five pounds. Occasional local and overnight travel is required.

Responsibility :

Responsible for the designated budget.

Supervises Special Service, Related Service Providers, and Gifted and Talented Staff at the District level.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned / required.

EEO STATEMENT

Clarendon County School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or disability, or any other protected characteristic in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities.