What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Student Support Services/Assistant Executive Director position at Collegiate Charter School of Lowell?
Director of Student Support Services/Assistant Executive Director
SUMMARY:
Develops and coordinates system-wide Student Support Services to meet the needs of all students in an educationally and fiscally responsible manner. Accountable for overall direction, coordination and evaluation of all functions assigned to Student Support Services (Special Education, English Language Learning (EL or ML) 504, Behavioral Health, Home/Hospital Tutoring, Community Outreach, In-District/Out of District placements) in accordance with local, state and federal mandates to maximize students ability to learn and function effectively. Also functions as the Assistant Director if the Executive Director is unavailable for an extended period of time. Position requires collaboration with all disciplines within district, parent communication and community/agency outreach. Recruits, selects, trains, and evaluates staff. Also prepares budget and solicits funds to provide financial support for programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Evaluates the entire Student Support Services program, curriculum, procedures, and individual students' needs and achievements as an ongoing responsibility. Recommends changes and development as needed.
Provides leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing specialized programs. Serves as Designated Coordinator for special education-related program administration and reviews including the following:
- Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Section 504 Coordinator
- Tiered Focused Monitoring administrator
- Medicaid Facilitator
Develops procedures for referral, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities. Oversees the development of Individual Education Programs (I.E.P.s) and 504 Accommodation Plans. Establishes procedures for the identification, IEP development and educational placement for eligible students.
Directs in-district (Lowell) and out-of-district placement of special education students and transportation arrangements of these students. Coordinates and monitors "Child Find" Program and is responsible for conducting multi-disciplinary team decisions for all school placements. Helps coordinate district Kindergarten screening with Director of EL, Assistant Director of SPED, and K-5 Admin. Oversees related special education services such as physical therapy, adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, speech, health education, and psychological and counseling services.
Keeps informed of all legal requirements governing special education, English Language Learning, school law and discipline. Keeps current with research and evidence-based practices. Provides purpose, technical direction, and advice to administrators, building principals and instructional staff as they relate to the issues of federal and state grants and legal compliance with mandated special education and EL regulations and laws.
Assists in the implementation of school policies to include special education and EL needs. Recommends policies and programs essential to the needs of students with disabilities and English Language Learning. Interprets the objectives and programs of the Student Support Services Department to the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, the staff, and the public at large.
Maintains effective liaison and communication with parent groups, staff members, community agencies, special education collaboratives, and other professional organizations relating to special education, behavioral health, and EL services.
Maintains open lines of communication with associated State personnel. Pursues, and completes State and Federal grant applications, and prepares reports and statistical data as required. Responsible for all Problem Resolution Services (PRS) related reports, document collection and responses to DESE. Coordinates and serves as liaison with state and area social service agencies, courts, clinical personnel and hospitals.
Assumes responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all legally required, federal and state reports and records, collaborating closely with the Assistant SPED Director and EL Director on an ongoing basis. Maintains complete up-to-date special education and EL student progress reports, student records, and other appropriate records as required by regulation, and submits reports, as needed, to the Executive Director. Supervises preparation of attendance reports and similar data required for reimbursement of funds, and other financial matters. Develops and submits reports to the Board of Trustees as directed by the Executive Director.
Provides the Executive Director and Director of Finance regular updates on the changing variables in the budget due to incoming or newly identified students.
Maintains a current register of all special education students as mandated by Chapter 766 and ensures that current records of evaluations are kept, as required
Writes, submits and implements Special Education, EL, or SEL Grants with Directors of SPED, EL, and SEL
In collaboration with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, develops professional development programs targeting special education, English Language Learning and Social-Emotional student and staff needs, as well as the Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) training program for the district.
Works with special educators, EL and classroom teachers and administrators to develop collaborative, inclusive classrooms, as well as programs that focus on specialized strategies, both during the school year and summer programming
Supervises and evaluates Student Services personnel, including the Administrators of Special Education, English Language Learning, and the Director of Counseling /Social and Emotional Learning.
Collaborates with administrators regarding supervision and evaluation of Student Support Services staff. Recruits and recommends Student Support Services staff in a collaborative fashion with principals. .
Approves all supplies, materials, and texts used by Student Support Services personnel. Performs any other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Executive Director.
Functions as the Assistant Executive Director if the Executive Director is unavailable for any extended period of time and assumes all responsibilities and final decision-making if that should happen.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages employees in the Student Support Services Department. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.
Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the districts 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 issues.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS (required):
- Master's degree or higher in School Administration or related field.
- MA DESE License: Special Education Administrator, all levels
- Minimum of ten years’ experience in special education, with a minimum of 5 years of Special Education Administrator experience required.
- Extensive knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding students in both regular and special education.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (preferred in addition to the above requirements):
- 3 or more years as an administrator in an urban setting
- Experience in multiple school levels (K-5 and 6-12)
- Possession of SEI Admin or Teaching Endorsement
- Teaching or Administrator experience successfully supporting English Language Learners
COMPENSATION:
$145,000-$165,000
WORK YEAR/BENEFITS:
- 260 days/12 months
- 4 Weeks Vacation
- MTRS Membership
- Competitive Benefits
START DATE:
July 1, 2025 (may start earlier if available)
Salary : $145,000 - $165,000
