Assistant Director of Student Personnel Services

The Pawtucket School Department and the Leadership Team seek a dynamic, knowledgeable leader to assist in developing innovative and creative programs in the least restrictive environment for all students requiring special education support. Access to academic rigor in the least restrictive environment is a goal for all district students. We seek a leader that will encourage and only accept exceptional academic instruction for all students with disabilities. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION : At the direction of the Executive Director of Student Personnel Services, the Assistant Director will assist in organizing and coordinating special education services in the district. The Assistant Director will design, coordinate, and administer programs and services designed to meet the needs of all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Student Personnel Services and as a special education team member with school personnel and leaders, administrators, and families to ensure that student plans and the implementation of such plans are in accordance with IDEA.
• Collaborates with the ELL Director to coordinate services for students with special education and ELL needs.
• Designs and delivers Professional Development at the District and building level on improved teaching and learning of students with disabilities
• Coordinates special education services for student's Pre-K to 22 years of age.
• Assists in establishing procedures for identifying the needs, abilities, and interests of students with disabilities and developing any new programs related to these students.
• Coordinates support services to assure that all services outlined in a student's IEP are delivered.
• Serves as LEA in the district and out-of-district meetings as necessary.
• Coordinates and supervises ESY, pre-school, elementary, secondary, and transition programs.
• Assists Early Childhood staff in meeting all the requirements of programming certification.
• Assists in developing new and innovative programs to address some of the more significant challenges presented by students with disabilities.
• Assists with developing and implementing procedures in compliance with federal and state special education regulations.
• Assists in determining staffing requirements (special educators, support personnel, instructional assistants, and other staff supported by special education).
• Assists in coordinating and attendance in Pawtucket Special Education Advisory Committee meetings.
• Provides guidance, support, and direction to Evaluation, 504, and RTI teams
• Encourages participation by supporting parents and ensuring they are valued members of the IEP team.
• Disseminates district policy, issues, and current goals and plans to special education staff.
• Assists in supervising and evaluating special education staff to include related service educators.
• Maintains documentation and supervises to ensure that special education personnel adequately document meetings and parent concerns.
• Communicates regularly to work collaboratively as a team.
• Assumes other responsibilities as directed by the Superintendent and Executive Director of Student Personnel Services. IS KNOWLEDGEABLE OF :
• IDEA
• Section 504
• RI High School Regulations and Graduation requirements
• Response to Intervention
• Data analysis
• Current trends and best practices in special education
• Specialized instruction
• Assistive technology and augmentative communication
• Transition service regulations
• Early Childhood regulations SKILLED AT :
• Public speaking, writing, listening, problem-solving, resolving disputes, and providing direction
• Working with individuals and groups; interpersonal skills
• Research and use of instructional technology
• Being innovative and the ability to work independently
• Leadership qualities
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Working collaboratively with administrative staff LICENSE / CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS :
• Master's Degree in Special Education or related field
• RI District Level Administrator Special Education Certificate
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience as a Special Educator
• Bi-Lingual Preferred COMPENSATION / BENEFITS :
• Full-time position, 260 days
• Full PSD Benefit package
• Citizenship, residency, or work VISA in the United States required