Position Type:
Administration

Date Posted:
7/21/2020

Location:
District Office

Closing Date:
7/31/2020

The Susquehanna Township School District endeavors to be a world class school district with performance excellence expectations of employees. The District has an opening for an Assistant Director of Special Education/Student Services.

Employee Status: Act 93

Length of Work Year: 260 days

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Supervises: Special Education Paraprofessionals, Special Education Professionals

Job Goal: Support the Director of Special Education and Student Services by ensuringthat all exceptional students are properly identified and provided with meaningful educational programs and services consistent with state and federal regulations at the elementary level.

Fundamental Duties: Assist and support the Director of Special Education & Student Services in the following areas, following duties under each category as assigned:

1. Special Education

a. Develops, reviews, and recommends policy action areas within special education which relate to: IEPs, 504 Reads and abides by the Pennsylvania School laws and regulations, Federal and State laws, and regulations governing educational and civil rights of students and others, Child Protective Services Act, the policies of the Board of Education, administrative manuals, and the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

b. Communicates clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing, with the administrative staff, professional and support staff, students, parents, and community.

c. Supervises and evaluates assigned staff.

d. Acquires accurate Penn Data information for child accounting and provide timely reports several times a year.

e. Develops and implements policies and procedures for special education office.

f. Delegates proper staff assignments and make appropriate recommendations for the fulfillment of those duties.

g. Develops all aspects of special education curriculum, both general and supplemental.

h. Monitors the special education staff for completing the IEP appropriately and that the school psychologists are completing the ER formats appropriately and provide necessary training when needed.

i. Actively participates in interagency meetings, MDT/IEP meetings, board meetings, IU meetings, and meetings with officials from the Bureau of Special Education.

j. Acquires all information necessary to participate in due process hearings.

k. Coordinates and provides professional development.

l. Develops schedules for monthly meetings with school psychologists and special education teachers and special education paraprofessionals.

m. Manages the coordination, placement and monitoring of students in out-of-district sites.

n. Compiles, maintains and files all reports and other documents that are legally required or administratively useful.

o. Implements and processes procedures for gifted students and Chapter 15 students.

p. Implements best teaching practices being used in the classroom.

q. May be responsible for developing and implementing early intervention transition procedures and placements.

r. Oversees the implementation of federal and state regulations related to special education programs including plan approval, amendments and tracking.

s. Coordinates any audits, evaluations, due process hearings related to special education.

t. Provides oversight for building Section 504 plans.

u. Manages and oversees Extended School Year program.

v. Collaborate with school psychologists on building level pre-referrals

2. Behavior

a. Meet weekly with principals to discuss behaviors concerns in the building

b. Finalize /Revise PBSPs by collaborating with counselors, regular and special education teachers.

c. Facilitate continuous improvement by providing administration and teachers support in planning and implementing positive behavior support as well as provide feedback for improvement when necessary.

d. Support administration and teachers in using data collection.

e. Assist administration and teachers with materials, tools, strategies, etc. to support positive behavior support

f. Serves as a Safe Crisis Trainer/Manager for the District.

g. Participate in monthly MTSS team meetings in each building.

3. Student Services

a. Provides direction, coordination, and guidance to the District's counseling services and outside contracted services, as needed.

b. Provides direction, coordination, and guidance to the District's psychological services and coordinates with building administration regarding a student's assessment results and recommendations.

4. Administration

a. Handles parent complaints effectively.

b. Provides timely and effective communications regarding incidents and/or situations which might impact the District.

c. Makes active and consistent efforts to maintain or improve the external and internal image of the District.

Essential Functions

Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

1. Communicates clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing (appropriate grammar, pleasant voice, affable manner), with the administrative staff, professional, support staff, students, parents, and community.

2. Possesses and applies computer skills to the job, and is able to engage in repetitive hand movements as required for using the computer.

3. Maintains valid PA driver's license.

4. Operates office machines, files materials in filing cabinets, and is able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

5. May be required to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.

6. Works the hours inherent to the position, including early morning, evening, and overnight as necessary, and/or in the case of emergencies as they arise.

7. Ability to present ideas logically in writing including good proofreading, spelling and written grammar skills.

8. Ability to present oneself in a business-like manner including personal appearance and a pleasant demeanor to others.

9. Ability to problem-solve.

10. Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize tasks.

11. Ability to maintain positive staff relationships.

12. Ability to communicate with and instruct teachers and staff.

Qualification Standards

1.Education: Master's degree in special education or related field is necessary. Possess a PA Special Education supervisory certificate.

2.Experience: Minimum two-years prior experience in Special Education.

3.Knowledge of special education law, disabilities, programmatic needs of student, and current trends and techniques in the field is necessary.

External candidates must upload copies of current clearances including Act 126, 34, 151, and 114, three letters of reference, current resume, and copy of transcripts prior to the application deadline. Paper applications are not accepted. EOE.