The future of Texas and the world is in our classrooms. At Texans Can Academies, we are recruiting individuals committed to ensuring that all students are career ready. We know the choices facing today's well-qualified professionals and we are thrilled that you are considering Texans Can Academies.

We are currently looking for a Director of Special Services to join our Central Administration Office. If the following opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, Apply Now!

Primary Purpose
The Director of Special Services ensures provision of needed services for special needs students. This position provides individualized education and 504 plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal and local requirements.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Master's degree in special education, education or related field
Texas Teaching Certification in Special Education (PK-12)
Supervisory and/or Mid-Management Certificate (preferred)

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Extensive knowledge of special education and Section 504, professional development and applicable laws and regulations
Understanding of students with special needs
Ability to communicate with all levels students with special needs and their parents
Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Ability to coordinate district functions
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:
Three years experience as a special education teacher
Three years experience in a leadership role

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional and Program Management:

• Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students' needs
• Direct and manage Section 504 programs and services to meet students' needs
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis and that the findings are used to make the special education program more effective
• Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process
• Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, and help teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate
• Develop a functioning educational philosophy consistent with the values of the community, teachers, school administration and Board of Education
• Plan the necessary time, resources and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals
• Supervise and monitor the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Section 504 process district-wide
• Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures
• Supervise transition services for students who receive special education services entering and exiting public school programs
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness
• Serve as a resource in designing and equipping facilities for students with disabilities
• Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs
• Actively seek out new information, innovative ideas and techniques that target special services students

Policy, Reports, and Law:

• Recommend sound policies to improve programs
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education
• Complete and maintain all records as required by the State Department of Education, including applications, final reports, amendments, census, handicapped count, homebound instruction, etc.

Budget and Inventory:

• Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently
• Recommend the use of funds for emergency purposes that have not been specifically identified in the budget
• Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs
• Approve and forward purchase orders for Special Services Department to the Finance Department

Personnel Management:

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in Special Services Department
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in special education
• Ensure Special Services staff are informed of the requirements and regulations for disability identification
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise and evaluate performance of the Special Services department.

Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Work with frequent interruptions, maintaining emotional control under stress. Occasional prolonged or
irregular hours. Work conditions will include typical office environment and may require outside and
other work locations. Local and out of town travel may be required. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25
pounds.
TEXANS CAN ACADEMIES is an Equal Opportunity Employer