GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PERSONNEL SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION

Director I, Special Education

Purpose Statement: The Director of Special Education Services position exists to make GUHSD a model district for meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities. The Director oversees all Special Education Department programs, services, budgets, and personnel, and they advise the District leadership team and Governing Board on all matters related to Special Education. Directly Responsible to: Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services

Duties and Responsibilities:

MAKE GUHSD A MODEL DISTRICT FOR MEETING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

• Provide transformational leadership that opens a path for every GUHSD Special Education student to build the best future.
• Build a departmental culture of compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ensure all students with disabilities are correctly identified and provided the free and appropriate education they deserve through the provisions of instructional programs and related services. 
• Align Special Education Department objectives with district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives.
• Evaluate district wide and school site-based Special Education programs and/or projects.
• Train and develop teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, aides, and others assigned to Special Education programs.
• Collaborate with other district personnel and community leaders (e.g. school and district office administrators, parents, college representatives, etc.) for the purpose of improving Special Education services and programs.
• Act as a liaison between the district and other public agencies on matters related to Special Education.
• Provide educational opportunities and assistance to parents and other community members regarding parent participation and responsibility in the Special Education process for the purpose of fostering positive relationships with parents, guardians, and the community.

OVERSEE SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:

• Develop long and short range plans (e.g. budget recommendations, policies, procedures, staffing plans, materials, equipment, space requirements, safety plans, etc.) for effective implementation of Special Education programs and services.
• Coordinate the development of Non-public School/Agency contracts.
• Oversee implementation of Special Education programs and services (e.g. program budgets, student accommodations, student placements, etc.).
• Monitor Special Education fund balances and related financial activity for the purpose of ensuring that expenses are within budget limits and fiscal practices are followed.
• Assist school principals with personnel functions for Special Education staff (e.g. selection, placement, training, evaluation, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing levels, enhancing productivity of personnel, and ensuring that program objectives are achieved within budget.
• Perform Departmental personnel functions (e.g. interviewing, evaluating, supervising, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing levels, enhancing productivity of personnel, achieving department objectives within budget, and establishing and maintaining high standards of performance.
• Facilitate and/or participate in meetings, hearings, or other proceedings (due process hearings, special education parent groups, IEP’s, trainings, Board meetings, etc.) for the purpose of implementing Special Education programs and services and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Act as district representative for compliance investigations, mediations, and due process hearings.
• Work to efficiently resolve staff issues, conflicts in policies and regulations, community concerns, and parent requests that could result in some negative impact and/or liability if not appropriately addressed.
• Compile and maintain all required reports and documentation (District, SELPA, CDE, etc.)
• Plan and implement extended school year services.

ADVISE DISTRICT LEADERSHIP ON ALL MATTERS RELATED TO SPECIAL EDUCATION

• Make recommendations to the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Superintendent, and/or Governing Board for improving the quality of services provided to students with disabilities and increasing the efficiency with which they are delivered.
• Keep informed of all legal requirements governing special education, psychological services, mental health services, Medi-Cal programs, district nurses, and other programs which support Special Education students.
• Develop, update and revise policies and procedures related to assigned functions.
• Provide organizational leadership as a member of the District Leadership Group and contribute to discussions regarding overall direction of the Grossmont Union High School District.
• Keep abreast of curriculum innovations, learning theory, and current organizational practice for the purpose of modifying, updating, and improving Special Education programs and services.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training, experience, and/or education equivalent to: Master’s Degree in public administration, special education, psychology, or related field, and progressively responsible experience in educational administration.

Special Education Credential desirable but not required.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California Teaching Credential
Valid California Administrative Credential
Valid California Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

State-of-the-art theories, techniques and methodologies of instruction and district operation.
Principles and techniques of budget preparation and control.
Principals and practices of administration, supervision, and training.
Oral and written communication skills.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, funding, and procedures as well as current trends and practices as they relate to Special Education programs.
Interpersonal skills, using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.

ABILITY TO:

Plan, organize, and administer assigned programs and functions.
Provide leadership and direction to assigned functions.
Perceive organizational implications of recommendations and decisions.
Review existing and pending legislation related to procedural guidelines for the District’s Special Education programs and recommend origination, modification, or support of legislative measures. Maintain current knowledge of applicable provisions of Federal, State and District laws, rules, and regulations.
Train and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Plan and organize work.
Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
Present information in a variety of settings including Board of Education meetings and other meetings with executive level District staff.

CLEARANCES AND TESTING REQUIRED:
After offer of employment, obtain:

• Negative pre-employment drug screen test through District’s provider at District’s expense
• Pre-employment physical exam through District’s provider at District’s expense
• Negative TB test result at candidate’s expense plus periodic post-employment retest (currently every four years) as required through District’s provider at District’s expense
• Must complete any mandatory training assigned by the District that is generally applicable to all classified management employees or employees in this classification in particular