25/26 SY Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Coordinator

SUMMARY: Directs the day-to-day operations of the special education department, while implementing and administering organizational policies approved by the Governing Board and related procedures, rules and regulations governing all district employees.  Assists the Director of Exceptional Student Services in planning, directing and implementing programs and services for all district students with identified disabilities, from ages three (3) through twenty-one (21).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements district policies and procedures for screening, referral, evaluation, placement, programs and due process for students with identified disabilities, from ages three (3) through twenty-one (21).
• Coordinates district's special education services for students with identified disabilities.
• Supervises and monitors the accurate maintenance of special education files in compliance with state monitoring schedules and directions.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of procedures for screening and verifying identification and placement of students with identified disabilities, from ages three (3) through twenty-one (21).
• Directs the implementation of all special education programs and related services in accordance with P.L. 94-142, P.L. 99-457, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, F.E.R.P.A., and Arizona Revised Statutes, rules and regulations and judicial decisions.
• Consults with staff to coordinate efforts and programs with district goals and philosophy, including integration, mainstreaming and educational success.
• Directs parent advisory activities.
• Assists staff in parent involvement and parent training.
• Recommends instructional materials, equipment and trainings which are research based for special education programming.
• Collects data, completes annual project evaluations, final reports, and writes project proposals to support special education programming.
• Assists in the formulation of short and long range plans for program development.
• Assists in training school teams in the process of IDEA.
• Coordinates with Arizona Department of Education officials regarding certification programs, legislation, and funding as it relates to special education and ensures compliance with all guidelines.
• Assesses staffing patterns and needs; recruits, interviews and recommends candidates for hire to fill existing vacancies; transfers staff (in compliance with district policy) to best meet the needs of students with identified disabilities.
• Coordinates staff development and in-service training of staff members (special education and general education) that provide programs and services for students identified with disabilities.
• Arranges special transportation services and provides consultation to the transportation department in the management of students identified with disabilities on school vehicles.
• Represents the district while placing students in outside private placements.
• Assists the director in conducting needs assessments and appropriate staffing.
• Assists in supervising and evaluating the instructional competencies of all special education staff members.
• Disseminates information regarding special education handicapped programs to all schools, public and private agencies, parents and staff, when required; meets with groups to discuss such information.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws to include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; and assisting administration at the campus site as needed.
• Establishes and maintains good rapport with students, employees, community members and vendors.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Special Education or equivalent.
• Valid Arizona teaching certificate. 
• Valid Arizona Administrative certificate.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC). 

EXPERIENCE:

• Five (5) years teaching experience.
• Special education instructional coaching experience and training preferred.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Applicable Federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Applicable Dysart Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.
• Principles and practices of program administration.
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation strategies.
• Principles and practices of group facilitation and building consensus.
• Customer service principles.
• Modern office technology. 

SKILL IN:

• Managing, supervising, evaluating and motivating staff.
• Training, coaching and overseeing the development of staff.
• Directing the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.
• Reviewing research and implementing industry trends, solutions and best practices.
• Maintaining and updating documentation.
• Organizing and maintaining records, files and program information.
• Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason.
• Facilitating group discussions and building consensus using persuasive reasoning.
• Facilitating effective collaboration.
• Providing mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Managing budgets and allocating resources to achieve strategic objectives.
• Exercising strategic and political acumen, tact and diplomacy.
• Public speaking.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards.
• Providing customer service.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require:  balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Light Work:  Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

Working Conditions: 

Work is routinely performed in an indoor, office environment; may require some work in the field with moderate exposure to travel.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. 

The Dysart Unified School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.

Salary : $76,129