What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Student Services position at Paulding County Schools?
Thank you for your interest in our Director of Student Services position
Job Summary:
The Director of Student Services is a vital and supportive member of the PCSD team, working collaboratively with educators, support staff, and administration to achieve the shared goal of ensuring all students receive the education they need to succeed both today and tomorrow. This role is performed within a school and district environment, overseen by the Executive Director of Student Services, where teamwork and dedication to student success are paramount.
All staff are expected to fully adhere to the ethical standards set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, continuously demonstrating a strong understanding of the tasks and responsibilities their roles require. Moreover, they must embody the core belief that every action we take is driven by a commitment to the best interests of our students.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Director of Student Services (Middle/High School)
Salary Schedule: State Based Plus Local Supplement
Department: Special Education and Student Services
Job Code:
Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services
Work Schedule: 240 days per year/8 hours per day
Grade/Level: N/A
FLSA: Exempt
Primary Function: Develop and implement special education programs in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure that Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are effectively developed and implemented. Requires deep expertise in special education law and a commitment to ensuring compliance and organizational effectiveness. Provides direction and leadership for the overall administration and coordination of Special Education Program to provide instructional services to students with disabilities, for middle and high schools. Demonstrates effective collaboration and communication across the organization, with the community and other agencies, and with school-home partnerships.
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands:
Office Environment
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard
Constant Interruptions
Hearing and speaking to exchange information
Ability to prioritize
Seeing to read a variety of materials
Sitting for extended periods of time
Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to file materials
Qualifications:
Must hold or be eligible for a Georgia Certificate of Level 5 or Higher in Leadership/Administration
A minimum of five (5) years teaching/administrative experience in the area of special education required.
School administration, central office leadership, and secondary scheduling experience preferred.
Extensive knowledge of state and federal special education laws (IDEA) and evidence-based practices.
Ability to collaborate and communicate in an effective and positive manner.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
The Board of Education and the Superintendent may accept alternatives to some of the above requirements.
Essential Functions:
1.
Vision & Strategy: Supports the Executive Director’s vision and strategic direction for the student services department, aligning with the overall district Strategic Goals.
2.
Program Management: Oversees the development, implementation, continuous improvement, and accountability of special education programs and student support services. Provides performance feedback and evaluates leaders within the department.
3.
Operational Excellence: Manages the day-to-day operations of the student services department, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. Supports the allotment development process and effective secondary scheduling.
4.
IEPs & Compliance: Coordinates the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring all students with disabilities receive appropriate services in accordance with IDEA and best practices. Knowledge of transition planning in the areas of post-secondary education, vocational education, employment (including supported employment), income, social security and medical insurance, living arrangements, leisure time activities, independent living skills.
5.
Collaboration & Culture: Cultivates a collaborative culture within the department and across the district, promoting effective communication and teamwork among staff, families, and community partners. Effectively collaborates with other central office leaders and departments to ensure cohesive central office support for schools.
6.
Legal Compliance: Stays abreast of legislation and regulations governing special education, ensuring district compliance. Coordinates with legal counsel on due process and procedural safeguards.
7.
Behavior Support: Supports the implementation of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to reduce disruptive behavior. Collaborates with the School Leadership and Teaching and Learning Divisions to develop clear processes for supporting school administrators in identifying and coordinating behavior support for students with disabilities.
8.
Budget & Resources: Manages the student services department's local, state, and federal budget processes. Collaborates with district leaders to secure appropriate resources. Communicates a transparent process for needs assessment, budget, and allotment recommendations.
9.
Curriculum & Instruction: Leads development and implementation of the special education curriculum and instruction, ensuring alignment with state standards and continuity across instructional tiers. Collaborates with Teaching and Learning to ensure coherence and alignment of instructional programs. Continuously monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of special education programs and instruction.
10.
Community & Family Engagement: Collaborates with families, parent groups, advocacy groups, and community partners to ensure appropriate services for students. Organizes stakeholder committees and facilitates two-way communication.
11.
Problem-Solving Support: Assists principals and other administrators in resolving problems related to special education and student services at the local school level.
12.
Additional Responsibilities: Additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee
Applicants will be selected for interview. Please do not contact local schools.
- It is the policy of the Paulding County School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.
- Vacancies posted for a minimum of ten (10) calendar days. Emergency vacancies posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days.
- The Paulding County School District uses the E-Verify system to verify eligibility for employment in the United States.
