Administrator of Special Services

Administrator of Special Services West Springfield Public Schools The Administrator is responsible for the educational progress of students with special needs. Directs the Special Education program of the District. Ensures program integration with all other instructional departments. Ensures compliance with Special Education Laws and Regulations. Manages a staff of Special Education personnel, assuming responsibility for the supervision of all professional/non-professional staff assigned to the Special Education Department. The Administrator will actively supervise the identification of children in need of Special Education services, and assure that everything required to appropriately service those needs identified is provided. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the field of Special Education. Ability to make relationships, collaborate and problem solve issues fundamental in all areas of special education. Ability to read and analyze professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, professional and business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of parents, students, teachers, administrators and the general public. Ability to calculate figures in the preparation, administration and implementation of a large department budget. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical and information regarding state and federal statutes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (other duties may be assigned) - Works with building Principals in supervising and evaluating all Special Education personnel. - Works with Principals in recruitment, selection and recommendation for hiring of special education personnel. - Consults with staff, parents and outside agencies regarding Special Education students and programs offered. Responds to parents regarding the evaluation and placement of their children. Discusses Special Education programs, personnel and students with building administrators. - Applies for and obtains funding from state and federal grant programs. Submits program documentation for approval; submits budget proposals and financial reports to School Business Administrator and appropriate State and Federal agencies. - Develops and administers the Special Education budget and Special Education grants. - Ensures compliance with local, state and federal guidelines in all areas of Special Education. - Monitors staff caseloads and student progress. - Develops and maintains records of all students receiving special education services. - Evaluates and modifies, as needed, the total Special Education program curriculum, procedures and individual student needs as an ongoing responsibility, and periodically reports on and recommends changes to the Special Education program. - Assists in the creation and adaptation of school policies to include special education needs. - Keeps informed of all legal requirements governing special education. - Plans and implements staff in-service training activities. - Coordinates activities of local parent and professional groups interested in improving the Special Education program. - Supervises and coordinates all Special Education transportation. - Maintains a permanent and on-going inventory of all equipment purchased for and by the Special Education department. - Works with principals to ensure a safe, healthy and appropriate physical environment re: classroom space, furnishings and equipment for Special Education students. - Prepares and keeps a current procedural manual of operation for the Special Education department. - Assigns personnel to special needs students for home tutoring, when necessary. - Attends team meetings which may require the expertise of the Administrator. - Oversees calculation and reporting for Circuit Breaker reimbursement. - Performs related duties as directed by the Superintendent of Schools or Designee. - Strong knowledge of Massachusetts Tiered System of Support - Strong knowledge of the implementation of a co-taught teaching model. - Oversight of 504 site coordinators. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: Minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent, five years of successful professional practice or administrative experience in special education, or combination thereof. Significant graduate work in Special Education and/or School Administration preferred. Some experience as an Administrator of Special Services in an approved special education program is preferred. Valid Massachusetts Teaching License with Special Education endorsement; Licensed as an Administrator of Special Education by the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise all employees in the Special Education Department. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the Special Education program. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with local policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. Work Year: Twelve months Salary: $120,000 - $130,000 (commensurate with experience) Reports to: Superintendent of Schools or Designee

Salary : $120,000 - $130,000