Assistant Special Education Director

Assistant Special Education Director Organizational Scope: Reporting directly to the Director of Special Education and Social Emotional Learning, the Assistant Special Education Director is a leadership position that performs a variety of tasks supporting the goals and objectives of the Westford Public Schools Special Education services. The Assistant Special Education Director regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion about significant matters, including programmatic and fiscal responsibilities. The work of the Assistant Director is influenced by the Westford Public Schools’ mission of developing curious lifelong learners who are responsible, empathetic members of the community, demonstrating innovation through a wide variety of opportunities within inclusive, joyful learning environments that embrace their variability and honor their diversity. Position Responsibilities: The Assistant Director of Special Education assists the Director in managing all special education/student services as well as leading the strategic direction for Special Education and overseeing the development and implementation of long-term goals and objectives for Special Education in the district; performs all other related work as required. More specifically, the Assistant Director of Special Education is responsible for:

• Provides programmatic oversight for out-of-district placements, including the development of IEPs;
• Establishes and maintains relationships with collaboratives, private schools, DCF, DDS, and DMH;
• Provides programmatic oversight, strategic direction, and evaluation to ROUTES, Westford’s 18-22 special education transition program;
• In collaboration with the Director of Special Education and Social Emotional Learning and Team Leaders, supports and manages the district’s sub-separate programs, including transitions between grade levels;
• Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to special education;
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data to monitor program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement;
• Supervises and mentors special education staff, including teachers, therapists, and other support personnel;
• Collaborates with district leadership to plan and lead meaningful professional development for special education staff;
• Assists in the day-to-day operations, educational services, instruction, communication, budget, and personnel management of the special education program.
• Assists with any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education and Social Emotional Learning.

Job Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a master’s degree and a DESE license as a Special Education Administrator. They will have excellent communication skills and demonstrate the ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues, manage their own workload, and prioritize tasks. The candidate must be a productive team member and work cooperatively with families, colleagues and the community. The employee has access to, and must have the ability to maintain, confidential information, including but not limited to student information, financial information, and records. Physical Demands: Physical demands vary in keeping with the assignment, but the position generally requires the ability to walk and stand on tile flooring and to bend and twist regularly at the waist, knees, and neck. Most work is performed in a typical office environment requiring minimal to light physical effort. This may include everyday discomforts and distractions typical of office settings, such as temperature variations, proximity to colleagues, frequent interruptions, and moderate noise. The position requires the ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment at an efficient speed and for lengthy periods of time. The candidate must have their own transportation and hold a valid driver’s license, as off-site meetings are required. Terms of Employment: The Assistant Director of Special Education is a 12-month, full-time position. Terms of employment, including evaluation and salary, are negotiated individually with the Superintendent of Schools unless they delegate that responsibility.