Primary Function:

Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent, the Director of Student Services shall assume responsibility for the planning, development, coordination, and management of Student Services programs, budgets, and personnel and shall ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations governing the delivery of services to students with special needs. The Director of Student Services is also responsible for guiding and overseeing a team of support staff including but not limited to special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, school psychologists, counselors, occupational therapists, and staff responsible for student wellness, in addition to serving as a liaison with appropriate public and private agencies. The Director of Student Services works cooperatively with other members of the management team in the formation and implementation of district policies and long-term educational goals in support of the district’s mission.

Essential Functions:

Provide leadership and coordination of all Student Support services in the District with a focus in the following key areas:

Special Education and related General Education support function

Ensure that all students in the District with diagnosed disabilities are provided a free and appropriate public education through the provisions of instructional programs and related services.

Monitor and assist with referral, assessment, and identification of special needs students in support of the Student Study Team as well as 504 processes.

Observe, consult and assist instructional assistants, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, general education teachers and administrators in the implementation of Special Education services.

Assist in the recruitment and employment of properly licensed personnel as required to provide services to students with disabilities consistent with their IEPs. Monitors staffing patterns and organizational structure.

Direct the District's English Learner program.

Child Welfare and Attendance and Student Health Services

Support Site Administrators with appropriate processes to ensure regular and punctual student attendance.

Oversee the District’s School Attendance Review Board and School Attendance Review Team as needed.

Oversee the coordination of District services to meet student Child Welfare needs.

Guide and oversee the team of support staff responsible for student wellness. Serve as a liaison with appropriate public and private agencies.

School Safety and Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS)

Actively assist in and monitor the District’s crisis intervention system.

Provide oversight and support to school sites relative to Restorative Practices and PBIS implementation.

Other Generalized Support and Leadership Functions

Keep informed of all legislative and State Department of Education requirements pertaining to Student Services.

Provide legal interpretation of District, State and Federal regulations to school sites; provide legal updates to affected personnel.

Interpret, maintain and monitor compliance with Board policies, administrative rules and regulations, State and Federal mandates, and due process on matters associated with Student Services.

Select, assign, supervise and evaluate department credentialed and classified staff.

Effectively utilize and/or manage data systems in all areas impacting the District’s Student Services function.

Represent the District at local, state, federal and regional conferences and meetings concerned with Student Services, as requested.

Act as custodian of records and ensure appropriate implementation of activities associated with mandated parent notification.

Prepare reports as directed by the Superintendent or designee.

Participate as an active member of the District Leadership Team.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Required Education and Experience

Valid California Administrative Services Credential

Valid California Teacher Credential with certification to teach English Learners, Special Education Credential, School Psychologist, Inclusionary Specialist, or Pupil Personnel Services.

Minimum five (5) years of teaching experience or related experience in education

Minimum three (3) years administrative/leadership experience

Strong K-8th grade curriculum background

Experience directing/supervising the work of other adults

Foundational knowledge of the California Common Core Standards (CCCS) and technology integration

Ability to keep current with the wide array of technology available for education

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in both in-person and virtual learning environments

Experience in professional development and training

Strongly Preferred

Prior experience in Special Education leadership

Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Special Education, Psychology or Counseling and Guidance

Instructional leadership experience in a Special Education setting

School site level leadership experience

District office administrative experience

Desired Characteristics:

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative fashion to form strong working teams. Ability to collaborate, and negotiate with others, and be skilled at leading groups through an interest-based decision-making process. Ability to function independently on tasks as well as the ability to interact with co-workers, advocates, and parents. Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations. Ability to administer and accept supervisory authority. Possess knowledge about a variety of decision-making processes and able to select appropriate methods in specific problem-solving situations. Hold high expectations for self and others. Strong organizational skills, leadership skills, analytical skills, and communication skills. Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner. Exemplary public relations skills, including written and oral presentation skills. Ability to facilitate large and small groups. Ability to respond to a host of different demands without a loss of productivity. Strong understanding of and facility of a wide range of educational and assistive technology. Strong ability to use technology effectively in communication, project design, and the delivery of professional development.

Knowledge of:

Methods, procedures, policies, and activities pertinent to the education, assessment, placement, and program development for Special Education students. State and Federal mandates, laws, and regulations related to the education of students with disabilities. Student Services office functions, practices, and procedures in the California Public Education setting. Pertinent codes, policies, regulations, protocols, and practices (open enrollment, student and parent rights, health services, etc.). Methods to forecast, plan, develop, and monitor departmental budgets.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and use hands to finger, handle, and feel. the employee is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, and 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, and the ability to adjust focus. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment including a keyboard or computer terminal to type letters, reports, and other materials; bending, and reaching to maintain files; hearing to answer telephones; speaking to exchange information; and sitting and operating a keyboard at a computer terminal for extended periods of time. Moderate to high-stress level.

Hearing, Vision, Speech, and Processing

Close proximity hearing and clarity of vision near and far with various distance focus/refocus abilities are necessary for these tasks. This job requires a very articulate communicator, as many of the tasks involve direct conversation with co-workers, staff members and the public. The Director of Student Services must read and write with speed and accuracy. They must comprehend visual and auditory input given by others. Short and long term memory recall ability is required in all tasks. This person must be tactful and efficient with all whom they interact with.

Human Relations Characteristics

Interactions with others are constant, both in person and on the telephone, so this person must be tactful, courteous and professional. There are also tasks calling for independent work skills. Decision-making and problem-solving skills are continually engaged. The ability to work with vendors, consultants, and internal/external tech support, as needed.

Environmental Conditions

Indoor jobs like this do not subject workers to any extreme climatic conditions. The noise level is moderate. No vibrations, hazards, or atmospheric pollutants are present.

Salary Schedule

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the above stated essential functions.