Title: Director of Student Services
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Master’s degree plus 32 credits is preferred but a Master’s degree is required
- The applicant must hold the School Administrator or Principal certification issued by the New Jersey State Department of Education
- Preference given to candidates with experience as a member of the Child Study Team
- Must be mature and possess integrity
- Must possess vigorous leadership qualities
- Must possess the ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders
- Must pass criminal background check and fingerprints, pre-employment drug screening and TB test
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Have excellent administrative and/or teaching experience and work with students with special needs, demonstrating an understanding of the needs of these students
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of special education programs and services, pre-referral interventions, curriculum development and program evaluation, child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning
- Demonstrate an understanding of the regulations regarding the operation of special education programs, including those outlined in N.J.A.C. Title 6, Chapters 26 and 28, U.S.P.L. 93-112, and Section 504.
- Ability to gather, organize and maintain district-wide confidential records, such as Child Study Team, Speech Language Specialist, OT/PT, nursing and counseling records
- Ability to recommend budgetary allocations, develop budgets and manage resources
- Remain abreast of current developments, new trends and research, and contemporary interpretation of content and methodology related to position
- Establish and maintain professional contact in local, state and national levels
- Behave in accordance with law and exhibit high standards of professional ethical behavior
- Follow district and school policies, regulations and procedures
- Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and the ability to motivate people
- Exhibit a personality that demonstrates integrity, enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary
- Demonstrate the ability to use computers for word processing, data management, information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications
- Perform all duties assigned by the Superintendent or her/his designee consistent with law, policies and regulations
Reports To: Superintendent
Purpose: The Director of Special Services leads and assumes responsibility for the organization, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the activities and mandates of the Child Study Team to ensure that all students meet and exceed the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and/or Individualized Education Plan goals. The Director of Special Services supervises Child Study Team members and special education instructional aides. The Director of Special Services also works collaboratively as a member of the district’s administrative team and has shared supervisory responsibilities in the areas of instructional program including pre-referral interventions and I&RS, as well as 504 plans. Responsibilities also include the supervision of school counseling programs and school counselors, as well as nursing services and supervision of school nurses. Responsibilities include the supervision of programs for the McKinney Vento Act, Homebound, and the arrangement of transportation for students with disabilities. The Director of Special Services understands the laws and regulations of special education, understands effective diagnostic assessments for students experiencing difficulty in learning, works collaboratively to lead and nurture members of the staff, and communicates effectively with parents, members of the community, and colleagues in other districts and schools.
Performance Responsibilities:
- Establish and promote high standards and expectations for students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for behavior
- Coordinate, administer, and schedule services and procedures for the referral from Intervention and referral teams, and the evaluation, classification and placement in the least restrictive individualized educational program by the Child Study Team for students who are educationally disabled as required by N.J.A.C. Title 6A Chapter 14 and other state mandates and guidelines
- Administer, schedule, and evaluate the Child Study Team process for the development, annual review, and third year re-evaluation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as required by state and federal mandates and guidelines; ensure teacher and parent participation in the process and access to records, following notification and due process requirements when necessary
- Ensure that the IEPs address the student’s achievement in each of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards including Cross Content Workplace Readiness Skills, Language Arts Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
- Represent the board, when requested, in mediation, administrative hearings and court proceedings relating to students in need of or receiving special services.
- Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the superintendent
- Answer correspondence promptly
- Follow procedures for safe storing and integrity of all public and confidential school records, ensuring that personnel and student record keeping procedures comply with state and federal law and district policy.
- Plan, organize, implement, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive program of Homebound Instruction when required (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-4.8 and 4.9)
- Plan, organize, implement, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive program of speech, hearing and/or language disorders, including programs dealing with both corrective and preventative aspects of communication disorders of voice, language, and articulation, following N.J.A.C. 6A Chapter 14 and other state rules, regulations, and procedures
- Arrange and monitor transportation of all eligible disabled students
- Supervise the use of computer assisted instruction in the special education programs
- Assist the superintendent with the evaluation of the various programs in special education to ensure that they assist students in achieving the New Jersey Student Learning Standards; assist with review of the facilities, the development of curriculum, the evaluation of learning strategies used in classrooms, and the involvement of parents
- Responsible for the planning and development of pupil services and special education by:
- Formulating plans, in cooperation with staff members and administration for the improvement of pupil personnel services and special education, that most effectively meets the needs of children and community
- Assisting in the development of curriculum that provides for various abilities, talents, and interests of students
- Assisting the principal/s, school counselors and nurses to organize and implement appropriate programs for their respective schools
- Assisting in the preparation of the annual budget with specific responsibility for those areas related to pupil personnel services and special education
- Responsible for professional staff supervision and development by:
- Providing program supervision to school counselors, teachers of special education and instructional aides; he/she shall provide both the administrative and program supervision to speech/language specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and Child Study Team members
- Making regular, systematic visits and/or conferences with pupil personnel specialists, teachers of special education, nurses and school counselors for the purpose of helping each staff member to become more professionally effective
- Sharing in the orientation of new pupil personnel specialists and teachers to the school system
- Developing and maintaining an on-going and well-planned in-service program for staff
- Encouraging the professional staff to try new techniques, practices, and methods designed to enhance their effectiveness with pupils, parents, and staff
- Fostering the professional growth and development of staff members with opportunities for inter-visitations, demonstrations, conferences, workshops, and research projects
- Responsible for program administration and coordination by:
- Coordinating the activities of counseling, Child Study Team, speech, physical therapy and occupational therapy with administrators and supervisors
- Promoting a coordinated team approach and a balanced program of services among various pupil personnel specialists that is responsive to the needs of pupils, parents, and staff
- Reviewing, coordinating, channeling, and scheduling reports for services, including case status and progress to final disposition of services
- Coordinating pupil personnel services with other out-of-district schools and community agencies that work jointly in the resolution of pupil problems and programs outside of school
- Providing a leadership role in the continuing development and implementation of administrative procedures related to the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of pupil records
- Preparing administrative reports for the State Department of Education and the Superintendent of Schools
- Preparing applications for state and federal grants
- Coordinate the activities of the special education parent support group
- Keeping the central administration well informed on all significant matters under his/her supervision
- Responsible for program evaluation by:
- Periodically assessing the adequacy of present procedures and programs, and identify possible steps to strengthen the program of services to pupils, parents, and staff
- Encouraging participation of many… administrators, teachers, students, community laymen in cooperative assessment and planning for a better school, and keeping the community well informed concerning the schools’ activities, needs and opportunities
- Assessing the “climate” of the schools periodically to determine areas of needed improvement
- Serve as a recruitment officer for pupil personnel specialists and teachers of special education by:
- Consulting with building principals to develop a job analysis for building-based pupil personnel specialists and teachers of special education for positions that are vacant
- Examining and screening the applications or resumes for positions, and initiating and conducting appropriate interviews
- Recommending candidates for a specific position in special education and coordinate with the building principal for an interview
- Recommending candidates that are under the administrative and functional supervision of the Director of Special Services to the Superintendent of Schools for an interview
- Supervise all assigned personnel to ensure that all responsibilities are met and exceeded, consistent with research on learning and child growth and development, and strategies in special education instruction
- Develop with individual staff members a Professional Development Plan (PDP) and ensure that personnel evaluation procedures are accomplished in a fair and consistent manner that encourages accountability, growth and excellence, in accordance with law, board policy, and contractual requirements; recommend to the superintendent the renewal, dismissal, withholding of increment, promotion or other actions for all personnel assigned to the director, following established procedures and timelines
- Recommend staffing needs and assist with the recruitment and selection of new personnel and provide orientation and assistance and monitor the performance of new staff
- Provide and coordinate assistance to staff in the regular programs of the district to assist them with classified students or with students who are experiencing difficulty, and provide opportunities for effective staff development that address the needs of the staff, including, workshops, conferences, visitations, demonstration lessons and sessions in which the staff shares successful practices and strategies
- Prepare grant and other applications as requested by the superintendent
- Recommend budgets to support assigned programs and coordinate the purchasing of instructional materials and equipment following district procedures and guidelines
- Collect and analyze data, particularly state assessments, regarding the achievement of classified students and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of services and programs, using the information to recommend new programs and modifications in existing programs and share with staff the results of state and other assessments
- Establish a professional rapport with students and with staff that earns their respect; maintaining visibility with students, staff, parents, and the community
- Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and agencies associated with the school
- Serve as a role model for students, dressing professionally, and demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and pride in the education profession
- Notify immediately appropriate personnel and agencies, and follow established procedures when there is evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids
- Keep the staff informed and seek ideas for improvement; conduct meetings as necessary for the proper functioning of the instructional programs.
- Use effective presentation skills when addressing students, staff, parents, and the community, including appropriate vocabulary and examples, clear and legible visuals, and articulate and audible speech; use excellent written and oral English skills when communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
- Communicate regularly with district administrators about the needs, successes, and general operation of the various programs and services; recommend policies and procedures to promote a healthy and supportive climate for learning that addresses the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and responsibility for behavior
- Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees
- Represent the school and district at community, state, and professional meetings
- Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences
- Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in special education and related services through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations
- Maintain in safe working condition and safely operate all electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities
- Observe strictly and exceed, to avoid the appearance of conflict, all requirements of the School Ethics Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-21 et seq.) regarding conflicts of interest in employment, purchasing, and other decisions, including solicitation and acceptance of gifts and favors, and submit in a timely fashion the required annual disclosure statement regarding employment and financial interests
- Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties, and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines
- Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the superintendent and not otherwise prohibited by law
- Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and contractual obligations
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the superintendent and other central office administrators as designated by the superintendent
Evaluation
Annually by the superintendent using approved NJ format
Physical Demands
Works in standard office and school building environment
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.
The duties of this job are normally performed in the following manner: the employee is regularly required to stand and is regularly required to talk and to hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hand to finger, handle or feel; to reach with hands and arms; to stoop; kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note: Qualified candidates/incumbents must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. As required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or duties. It is the responsibility of the incumbent in the position or the candidate once offered the position to inform the East Greenwich Superintendent of any and all reasonable accommodations that may be required. Candidates who need accommodations to complete the application process must inform the Superintendent of their need.
Terms of Employment: In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement
The East Greenwich Township School District is an Equal Opportunity Employment, Educational and Service Organization.