DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION Richmond, CA

Amethod Public Schools (AMPS)

Full Time Richmond, CA 120000 - 135000 USD ANNUAL Today

Job description

Description:AMPS (Amethod Public Schools) is a values driven organization. Our mission is to provide a rigorous college preparatory education and character development program that will prepare students from underserved communities to succeed in college and beyond. Our day-to-day work is driven within the organizational core values: Commitment to Distinction, Be Adaptable, Perseverance, Take Responsibility, and Students First. We are looking for team members who exude these values and a passion for our mission.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Special Education will lead the development, implementation, and management of AMPS’ Special Education program. S/he will be responsible for the organization and administration of special education and related services to students with disabilities The Director ensures that educational services are provided according to local policy, state regulations and federal regulations. The Director will work as a member of the general instructional team in coordination and support of Special Education services throughout AMPS schools and will work cooperatively with school leadership, instructional faculty and parents to ensure all receive a high-quality education in accordance with their IEPs and California and Federal requirements. This position requires on-site presence 100% of the time – telecommuting arrangements are not available. Please do not apply if you are unable to meet this commitment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:
Strategy and Implementation
Develop and manage the Special Education strategy, implementation, plan and calendar in order to coordinate Special Education services
Ensure the AMPS Special Education program maintains high quality across all schools
Facilitate the delivery of services among multiple external providers by researching, evaluating and selecting the highest-quality providers, and acting as the liaison among external partners working with AMPS
Design and lead budgeting recommendations and funding distribution plan across schools, maintain information on state funding, and control expenditure budgets for Special Education
Work closely with Director of Finance and School Leaders to create individualized school budgets based on school-specific population and needs
Collaborate closely with the El Dorado Charter SELPA (EDCOE) to design and implement a high-quality program by receiving training, seeking advice, documenting finances, and participating fully in the SELPA’s activities and committees
Represent AMPS at all local and regional and SELPA Special Education meetings
Compliance and Accountability
Monitor the procedures for the operation of special education programs across the school division and ensure compliance with IDEA
Formulate policies and procedures for new or existing Special Education programs and service delivery (e.g. inclusion model, pull out, etc.)
Direct, monitor, and manage all AMPS schools for compliance with state and federal laws, ensuring consistent, failsafe, and quality documentation, including IEP data, from school to school
Provide comprehensive, complete reporting of student performance data to school and regional leadership
Ensure that all records are effectively maintained and that timelines are consistently met
Prepare all local, state and federal reports or other documents as required
Evaluate and support school-level Special Education programs to ensure that objectives for student education are met
Create annual internal Special Education review process
Participate in IEP meetings as necessary, and serve as lead on any due process activity
Work with EDCOE SELPA legal team and other counsel to proactively minimize risk, and provide highest quality, compliant, services to all AMPS special needs students
Complete all state reporting for programs under the Special Services Department.
Management
Assume a leadership role in recruiting, hiring, supporting, developing, and evaluating Special Education faculty and staff
Manage external service providers, potentially including but not limited to: Education Specialists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Counselors, etc.
Provide leadership to develop collaborative partnerships between Special Education staff and general education teachers in each AMPS school
Provides orientation programs from new staff concerning special education services and Section 504.
Supervise and evaluate special education leadership team members.
Work with senior administration to respond to issues and inquiries from school district administrators’ parents and educators involving staff conflicts in policies and regulations, community concerns, and or parental requests that may result in some negative impact or liability.
Provide ongoing professional development and individual training to Special Education teachers, School Leaders and general education teachers that includes research-based interventions, data analysis, and assessment modifications
Ability to facilitate tactful communication between staff, students and parents to evaluate situations, solve problems and resolve conflicts
Conduct regular regional Special Education staff meetings as appropriate
Performs other related duties as assigned
Requirements:Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required; Master Degree preferred
Special Education credential preferred but not required
At least three (3) years of experience working as a Special Education teacher in an urban school.
Must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Understanding of Response to Intervention (RtI) programs and experience in implementing RtI programs in schools
Awareness of web-based IEP management systems specifically the SEIS, or other similar systems, and competency in using the system to document student records
Required Skills/Abilities:
Ability to project manage effectively
Willing to work as a member of an all inclusive instructional team
Strong written and oral communications and relational skills.
Operate a variety of office equipment, including computer, printer, calculator, and copier.
Read and understand written instruction and communicate information and ideas in clear and concise written form.
Maintain effective working relationships with associates, teachers, parents, and the public.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed.
Preferred Skills/Abilities:
Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with minority and low-income students
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy culture with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks
Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and a resourceful and collaborative working style with frequent and clear communication
Experienced Project Manager
Experience with and strong knowledge of local and national Special Education laws and mandates
Experience working in an inclusive model classroom or experience as a case manager coordinating services for a group of students
Physical Requirements:
Required to exert physical effort in handling objects up to twenty pounds on occasion.
AMPS is strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff, and we encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. AMPS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnic origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.