Director of Student Support Services

Director of Student Support Services- POSITION OBJECTIVES: Consistent with state and federal law, coordinates and provides an effective and efficient system of Special Education and Support Services designed to meet the needs of assigned students, and effectively integrate students into the least restrictive environment. Ensure that the guidelines developed by the Vermont Agency of Education in its most current edition of the Vermont Special Education Procedures and Practices Manual (Manual) regarding special education issues are implemented. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Program Related Responsibilities Oversees all aspects of special education and student services for students age 3-21, integrating current best practices, research, and special education laws into the education of the disabled, to assure compliance with state and federal laws, and to provide the most effective educational program for assigned students. Researches, coordinates and effectively utilizes available school and community resources and outside agencies to ensure proper delivery of students’ IEP (SLP, Social Worker, OT/PT, internal and external professionals and agencies and the like). Oversees extended school year programs for identified students to assure an effective educational program. Compliance: Keeps abreast of current best practices, research, and special education laws. Assists in the implementation of administrative regulations and procedures, policies of the GRCSU, and corresponding school district policies. Monitor compliance with all mandated special education procedures and take protective steps to assure that compliance is maintained. Fiscal: Development and oversight of special education budgets including Grant Funds. Prepare required reports in accordance with the Vermont Agency of Education guidelines. Assure the delivery of a free and appropriate education for the assigned students in a fiscally responsible and accountable manner. Transportation: Coordinate special transportation services for assigned students, in a cost effective, appropriate and safe way. Administrative Responsibilities: Responsible for the hiring of special educators, school psychologists, related service providers (speech language pathologists,occupational therapists, physical therapists, assistant director of student support, administrative assistant to the director of student support services and other staff as related to special education services. Function as a member of the GRCSU Administrative Team participating in overall planning and coordination functions. Attend, at the request of the Superintendent, school board meetings Supports building based administrators in the supervision and evaluation of special education teachers, paraeducator staff and service providers. Identifies, coordinates, and implements training for teachers, paraeducators and other school personnel as it relates to understanding disabilities, managing techniques, developing IEPs , and evaluating student progress. Assists building and supervisory union administrators in planning and evaluating program effectiveness and identifying program needs. Provides and coordinates the provision of professional development to special education staff. Coordinates services and assures productive, effective, and efficient use of resources including state and local agencies (i.e. Rutland Mental Health and Department of Children and Families). Routinely observes teachers and students in the classroom, school and community to assess instructional effectiveness. Provides regular feedback to teachers and building administrators in support of student learning. Acts as a general resource person for classroom teachers, paraeducators, and administration Shows professionalism and considers “What is best for students” in serving and advocating for students and in decision making. Coordinates regional programs and oversees alternative placements. Plan and evaluate program effectiveness and identify program needs. Communicates/collaborates effectively with parents and effectively engages families to help meet the educational needs of the student. Supports principals with challenging student related situations. Works effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates. Implements strategies such as collaborative teaming, conflict resolution, and mediation strategies to facilitate team decisions around student programs. Supports mentoring of new special educators. Support, delegate and supervise the Assistant Director of Student Support Services Ensure the implementation of the guidelines developed by the Vermont Agency of Education in its most current edition of the Vermont Special Education Procedures and Practices Manual regarding special education issues. The Manual is designed to assist Vermont school districts in understanding the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and meeting its requirements. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Homeless Liaison 504 Coordinator Additional responsibilities as assigned SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Superintendent of Schools. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise and evaluate Assistant Director of Student Support Services, and Administrative Assistant to the Director of Student Support Services. Work with building administrators to supervise and evaluate special education and related staff. Provides oversight to the Medicaid program, in conjunction with the business manager, ensuring compliance with regulations. Provides oversight to preschool (Early Childhood Special Education) Supervision of special educators, school psychologists, related service providers (speech language pathologists, medicaid clerk, early education coordinator). Supports building based administrators in the supervision of special education teaching and paraeducator staff and service providers.