Position Type:
Administration
Date Posted:
3/24/2022
Location:
ELSC
Date Available:
TBD
Closing Date:
04/15/2022
Executive Director - Special Services and Student Supports
SUMMARY
The Executive Director for Special Services is responsible for administrative supervision of all services and programs associated with the provision of special education to students in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools and for all instructional services provided in community-based programs. In addition, the Executive Director of Special Services supervises the Director of Culture Climate Transformation and also closely connects and aligns the work of all multi-tiered systems of support for students. The work includes, but is not limited to, supervision of programming for students ages 3-21 with special needs; the supervision and alignment of programming around PBIS, behavior supports, SEL instruction, home/school partnerships, and community partnerships; development, implementation and evaluation of service delivery models; compliance with Federal and State laws; supervision of instructional services in community-based programs, and supervision and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures that have been approved by the Board of Education.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitates the development and implementation of a District vision and goals to ensure all students with special needs receive a free and appropriate public education
Connects and aligns all multi-tiered systems of support for students around behavior
Supervision and alignment of programming around PBIS, behavior supports, SEL instruction, home/school partnerships, and community partnerships
Works collaboratively with all district administrators in the Office of Learning and Leadership.
Communicates and collaborates with Grant Wood Area Education Agency (GWAEA), State, and national organizations to ensure compliance with state and federal mandates, and to advocate and strengthen programming in special education
Provides direction to Special Services’ staff, principals, and building instructional staff with respect to Federal and State mandates for students with disabilities
Engages parent and community groups for the purpose of generating a broad base of community interest, understanding and support of the Special Education program;
Develops annual goals and action plans for the Special Services Department that are aligned with the goals of the district and the Office of Learning and Leadership
Plans, implements and coordinates special education programs consistent with the goals and objectives of the District;
Supervises and promotes the development of the Directors for Special Services and Directors/Coordinators of Culture and Climate Transformation in addition to teacher leaders and other support staff within the Special Services Department and Culture Climate Transformation Department;
Stays abreast of current research, evidence-based practices, and trends in special education;
Determines special education staffing in all buildings, including making decisions for additional staffing or reductions in staffing when necessary based on enrollment and programs
Engages in ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of special education instructional programming and well as effectiveness of our MTSS structures and supports;
Engages in continuous program development and improvement generated by a focus on results driven accountability;
Plans, implements, and coordinates robust transition activities with the goal of improving postsecondary outcomes for students;
Manages the special education and culture/climate transformation budgets;
Attends Cabinet meetings and prepares information and reports as requested by Deputy Superintendent or Superintendent
Attends School Board meetings and prepares reports for the Board as requested;
Coordinates the planning and implementation of ongoing research-based professional learning for special education staff with the goal of improving the quality of instruction and closing the achievement gap;
Collaborates with appropriate District staff and community agencies to ensure necessary program supports and resources are in place for students with behavioral challenges and mental health needs
Develops and implements interagency agreements that create programs with shared responsibility for students with special needs;
Responds to and influences Federal and State legislative priorities related to the provision of special education services;
Produces timely and comprehensive reports and applications, as determined by the District, GWAEA, or the Department of Education
Ensures implementation of the District Developed Service Delivery Plan per requirements from the Department of Education
Monitors and responds to identified indicators on the State Performance Plan
Collaborates and supports Urban Education Network (UEN) and GWAEA Special Education Directors groups
Coordinates all data management related to special education including but not limited to the October Count, Certified Annual Report, Staff rosters, IEPs, Basic Educational Data Survey (BEDS), tuition in/out contracts;
Responds and manages parent concerns, complaints and requests for due process;
Meet regularly with Special Education administration at GWAEA to ensure compliance with special education procedures and expectations;
Performs other related duties as assigned
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in education
License: Professional Administrator
Endorsement: PK-12 Special Education Supervisor
Experience in teaching and school administration required, teaching and leadership experience in the area of special education preferred
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, BELIEFS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of State and Federal Special Education regulations, policies and guidelines
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with teachers and building and district level administration in developing and implementing best practices in special education programs
Strong interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a diverse community
Skill in deploying staff and resources to effectively support instructional programs
Ability to establish priorities and multi-task
Believe strongly that all students can learn at high levels;
Demonstrate commitment to closing the achievement gap and ensuring students transition successfully to post-secondary endeavors ;
Demonstrate willingness to put the interests of students above all others;
Actively contribute to a culture of high expectations
Salary Range $142,853.00
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and implement ideas contained in technical documents, reports, regulations, etc. Ability to effectively write reports and communications to administrators, colleagues, parents, students and staff. Ability to effectively present information orally and respond to questions from administrators, teachers, staff and students.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to perform basic mathematical functions. Ability to use spreadsheets and reporting documents that assist with the computation of data.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to solve problems effectively. Ability to interpret and implement a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, colleagues, community members, staff and students. Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk and hear. The employee will frequently use hands and fingers to type/word process, file documents, manipulate papers, and use a copying machine. The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward 0 -24 inches and on occasion up to 36 inches. The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk while performing the duties of this job. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 0 - 12 feet and occasionally up to 20 feet, such as office materials, desks, chairs, and boxes. The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as tables and carts. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while working with computers, written materials, reports, assessment data, etc.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is often quiet but may become loud in large group settings. The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that will require the employee arrive and leave as directed and may require the employee to extend beyond a typical 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. workday. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but will be required to work occasionally in outdoor environments.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Cedar Rapids Community School district is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.
Federal law obligates an employer to provide reasonable accommodation for the known disabilities of applicants, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship on the employer. If you or someone you know requires accommodation in the hiring process, contact the Executive Director of Human Resources at 319-558-2747.