JOB DESCRIPTION

LOCATION: Keene, NH

SALARY RANGE $90,000-$135,000

POSITION TITLE: Director of Student Services

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of school administration; comprehensive knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in special education for diagnosis, evaluation and remediation; comprehensive knowledge of curriculum and program development for students in need of services; knowledge of appropriate State and Federal laws; ability to develop and present ideas effectively, orally and in written form; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with school officials, School Board, parents and the general public. Proven leadership ability. A critical thinker and problem solver with the ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures and the ability to use discretion and exercise sound judgment. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills as well as strong organizational and time management skills. Able to develop and manage responsible budgets and grants.

Master's Degree in special education, psychology, or special education administration.

Must be certified or eligible to be certified as a Special Education Administrator. Five years' experience in school psychology, special education, and/or special education administration required with at least two years of supervisory experience.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

The Director of Student Services is a Central Office 12-month position. The Director is a system-wide leadership position responsible for the overall leadership of the Special Education and student services of 7 independent districts.

The Director plans, directs, and reviews the activities and operations of the student services. The position is responsible for Special Education staff and service providers, Guidance, Homeless Coordinator, 504 staff, and Nursing, as well as assessing needs, developing programs, and implementing services. The Director coordinates assigned activities with outside agencies and service providers, including psychologists, speech language pathologists/therapists and speech assistants, OT/PT, adjustment counselors/social workers, tutors and para educators, nurses, and transition services, as well as Section 504 accommodations. The Director is responsible for homeless services, EL,L, and provides support to the Curriculum Coordinator.

Directs and coordinates all student services, including special education programs, within the School District. Formulates policies and procedures for new or revised programs or activities, such as screening, placement, education of students, and training of staff. Evaluates special education and student service programs to ensure that objectives for student education and service requirements are met. Interprets laws, rules, and regulations to students, parents, and staff. Recruits, selects, and evaluates staff in conjunction with building principals. Prepares budget and solicits funds to provide financial support for programs. Prepares reports for Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies. May contract with agencies for needed services, such as residential care.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES'

1. BUDGET
   1. Prepare budgets, narratives, and rationales for the annual budget.
   2. Demonstrates working knowledge of Federal/State accounting procedures for the purposes of managing Federal grants.
   3. Demonstrates working knowledge of all laws governing School District fiscal and programmatic responsibilities for student services.

2. PLANNING:
   1. Monitors enrollments in all specialized programs throughout the District in preparation for staffing reports to the Superintendent, School Board, and Department of Education.
   2. Manages response to on-site evaluations, visitations, and State Performance Plan indicators conducted by the State.
   3. Plans programs for students placed outside of the District, and directs resources necessary to develop transition programs for such students as the need arises.
   4. Insures that all Individualized Education Programs of the District's educationally identified students meet all Federal/State requirements.
   5. Monitors all specialized transportation for the District.
   6. Insures that all 504 Plans of the District's eligible students meet all Federal/State requirements.
   7. Is the primary contact person for attorney relations regarding Special Education, 504 Plans, and Homeless.

3. GRANT WRITING
   1. Writes, submits, and manages federal grants and any other discretionary grants that are successfully applied for.
4. STAFF MANAGEMENT:
   1. Assists in hiring staff for all Special Education programs in the Districts, as well as diagnostic, related services personnel, and student service programs.
   2. Identifies and locates services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathologists/therapists as needed.
   3. Observes and evaluates staff performance in either primary or secondary roles (evaluative responsibilities are negotiated with each of the building principals on an annual basis, excluding direct supervision of Guidance Counselors.)
   4. Acts as a clearing house for applications of individuals interested in teaching Special Education and Nursing.
   5. Hires related service personnel, psychologists, and program paraprofessionals in conjunction with the principals.
   6. Supervises, monitors, and documents home education programs.
   7. Supervises and monitors Section 504 programs and accommodations.

1. 8. Supervises and monitors ELL (English Language Learners) and the homeless.
   9. Supervises, monitors, and documents tutoring programs.
   10. Supervises and monitors School Health personnel and services in collaboration with Building Principals.
   11. Supervises, monitors, and documents Professional Development for personnel within the department.

5. CONSULTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
   1. Meets regularly with the building principals of the District and is obligated to keep the Superintendent informed of all developments in Student Services throughout the District.
   2. Attends School Board and other meetings as requested, attends Keene Education Committee meetings regularly, Department of Education meetings within the District, and speaks to Student Services agenda items when being discussed.
   3. Coordinates all special transportation requests and monitors the necessity of such requests prior to submitting them to the business manager or transportation company.
   4. Provides means through which special education staff, 504 staff, ELL staff, homeless staff and nurses can provide input into decision-making in special education, 504 plans, and health plans. This is done by a series of regular meetings throughout the year.
   5. Assists in the development of staff development programs related to student services.
   6. Supervises extended year programs, including budgets and staff.
   7. Seeks individual approval from the Department of Education as needed.
   8. Conducts special education meetings and training to keep staff knowledgeable about policy changes, new programs, current best practices, and other pertinent information regarding special education.
   9. Develops and supports effective strategies for serving special needs students and communicates it to school administration, staff, parents and community members.
   10. Develops and supports effective strategies for serving special needs students and communicates it to school administration, staff, parents and community members.
6. PROGRAM NEEDS:
   1. Insures that all programs and the processes of identifying educationally disabled,

504 students, ELL, homeless, and implementing programs and accommodations are in compliance with State and Federal laws.

6. 2. Updates the District's Special Education Plan, which is required by the State and needs to be adjusted according to the efforts being made to meet the needs of the educationally disabled population.
   3. Insures that programs are of high quality and that they are reasonably well-suited to the needs of the students. This requires "walkthroughs" and working with the building principals in order to ensure that the programs are functioning properly.
   4. Works to ensure that all services are efficient while maintaining a high standard of effectiveness and quality.
7. OUT OF DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES:
   1. Assures that students who are placed Out-of-District receive an appropriate educational program.
   2. Demonstrates knowledge of State and Federal special education law, ADA law, and procedures associated with the Office of Children and Youth, as well as the juvenile justice system.
   3. In cases where the District is seeking an Out-of-District placement, the Director of Student Services is responsible for finding suitable placement.