District Wide

Salem Public Schools

Salem, Massachusetts

Bilingual Candidates Strongly Encouraged to Apply

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Salem Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Summary:

The Special Education Director of Out-Of-District Programs works as part of a collaborative team with Salem's Special Education Supervisors and the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services. The candidate must be able to effectively consult with in-district staff to make appropriate referral decisions, must be able to establish professional working relationships and provide consistent communication with contacts at out-of-district placement sites, and work on behalf of the district to consider FAPE and facilitate a student's return to in-district programming, as appropriate. The candidate is responsible for overseeing compliance with special education timelines and for legal requirements for students in out-of-district placements. The job requires travel to out-of-district sites across the state, some out-of-state travel to neighboring states, flexibility with scheduling, and some summer work.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work in coordination with in-district team chairs to process referrals to out-of-district programs for students aged 3-22 in all disability categories
• Conduct annual reviews and 3-year re-evaluations for students in out-of-district placements
• Review all reports submitted for each student and develop action steps based on data
• Facilitate IEP development in consultation with OOD staff
• Understand special education regulations and process all paperwork accordingly
• Monitor student progress and program service delivery via onsite visits and ongoing consultation with teachers and parents, placement contacts, and social service agencies
• Monitor MCAS participation and graduation requirements
• Work in coordination with district's transportation department to secure appropriate transportation for all students
• Serve as primary school department contact for parents, out-of-district programs, human service agencies, and the Department of Education for students on caseload
• Coordinate with adult agencies regarding 688 referrals, transition planning meetings, and termination of special education rights
• Represent School Department in all cases involving mediation and appeals for students in out-of-district placements
• Complete all Department of Education requirements related to unapproved programs, and individual price requests
• Assist with budget accounting of tuitions, and review contracts, bills, tuition, and transportation charges
• Maintain statistics and review data with Director for the SIMS reporting cycle requirements throughout the school year
• Engage in and/or lead the yearly Circuit Breaker reporting process
• Represent the district at local, regional and state conferences and/or cohort groups
• Remain current with all email and voicemail correspondence

Skills and Knowledge:

• Possess an in depth knowledge of Special Education Law
• Knowledge of eSped or background with other IEP software
• Possess good oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of LEA Assignment process and homeless law
• Possess an understanding of court-ordered, foster care, DYS and group home placements
• Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of in-district special education programs
• Understand FAPE in relation to out-of-district placements and the return of students to Salem from OOD placements
• Organize all aspects of a multi-faceted job

Job Requirements:

• Valid DESE Special Education Administrator's License
• Valid Driver's License
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's Degree preferred
• Spanish proficiency a plus

The Director of Out-Of-District Programs is part of the Salem Administrators' Association and reports to the Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services and the Superintendent of Schools. This position is currently a 195-day position, with some summer work days. A full year position is a possibility, with additional summer responsibilities.

Contact Information:

Deborah Connerty, Acting Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Department of Pupil Personnel Services

Salem Public Schools

29 Highland Avenue

Salem, MA 01970

Phone: 978-740-1249

Fax: 978-740-1137

Position Type: Full-time

Equal Opportunity Employer
Salem Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Contact Information
Alicia Palmer, Director of Human Capital
29 Highland Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Phone: 978-740-1115
Fax: 978-740-1279
Email: apalmer@salemk12.org