| Location | new oxford, PA |
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POSITION MANAGEMENT GUIDE
Title: Director of Student Services and District Engagement Division Approval: 8/14/25 Department: Administration HR Approval: 8/26/2025 Reports to: Executive Director Board Approval: Salary Schedule: Act 93 Revision Date:
SUMMARY OF PURPOSE
This position develops plans, modifies, organizes, and directs the Student Services and Special Education Programs of Intermediate Unit 12, ensuring the efficient integration of all internal and external services and programs for students with disabilities. This position has a large emphasis on building relationships with component districts and ensuring the delivery of innovative and effective initiatives to meet their needs. This position ensures compliance with special education laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines - local, state, and federal. The position manages a large staff of special education personnel and provides leadership and management, including fiscal planning and accountability, of the entire Student Services Department in keeping with federal and state guidelines and Board policy. Directs daily operation of Special Education, Preschool, and Alternative programs and services operated by the Intermediate Unit within the limits of financial resources available; consults with school districts and establishes partnerships in providing appropriate services to exceptional students and students at risk.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a Letter of Eligibility, required. Pennsylvania certification as a Supervisor of Special Education or Principal K -12, preferred Master's degree required. Doctorate, preferred. Experience in central office leadership, preferred. Demonstrated leadership potential, including: o The use of enlightened management techniques in the administration of the Intermediate Unit. o The capacity to evaluate and propose educational program changes, and to stimulate staff acceptance and implementation of such changes. Ability to communicate effectively and act as liaison between the Intermediate Unit and component districts. Must demonstrate proficiency with a variety of technology tools. Must be highly organized; possess strong communication skills; be highly confidential at all times; act as a team player; be flexible to work on multiple tasks; pay attention to detail; be able to learn new skills and deal with constant change. Must encompass the qualities to be a decision maker and visionary leader with the ability to collaborate with stakeholder groups. Must possess knowledge in the Area of Special Education Regulations, curriculum, supervision, instruction, disability characteristics, and educational needs.
CABINET LEADERSHIP
Cabinet leaders see the issues, analyze them, and then act with the interests and perspectives of the total organization in mind. These leaders exhibit an enterprise mindset-the ability to balance the goals of the individual business unit or program with the broader interests of the enterprise. They avoid silo thinking or operating, have a comprehensive understanding of the organization, and consider how all of its components contribute and operate together to achieve the mission and work towards the vision by:
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a. Collaborating with the organization's leadership in the cabinet-level business planning and strategic allocation of resources. b. Championing entrepreneurial endeavors and stewardship initiatives at the cabinet level to ensure the financial stability and viability of the organization through engaged and proactive management and strategic, vision-focused leadership.
c. Achieving cabinet-level Key Performance Indicators (KPI), targets, and goals through monitoring and responding with mid-course adjustments as needed.
d. Modeling and building a healthy and engaging culture within the organization. At LIU12, cabinet leaders grow a kind and accepting culture by embracing and fostering the Mission, Vision, and Values.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Formulates the philosophy and goals for the Student Services Department, evaluates department leadership, including Assistant Director, Associate Directors, and Supervisors, and compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other supervision and evaluation documents.
Provides leadership in establishing new programs, policies, and procedures and in the operation of existing ones.
Analyzes data & situations, renders judgment, makes recommendations, and determines solutions to problems efficiently and effectively.
Plans, prepares, and facilitates monthly Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) meetings.
Interprets applicable laws, codes, policies, and regulations as they apply to special education pupils and processes.
Ensures that all special education programs and procedures comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
Serves as a resource for information regarding special education, its purpose, objectives, applicable laws, and regulations.
Serves as an active participant in state, PAIU, and national workgroups.
Administers the Student Services Department budgets and ensures that programs are cost -effective and funds are managed prudently.
Seeks, coordinates, implements, and monitors grants related to student services.
Collaborates with the Business Office regarding budgeting, funding, grants, purchases, ACCESS, or other areas as deemed appropriate.
Meets minimally once per month with each department cabinet leader.
Analyzes data from surveys, staffing analysis, etc., and makes recommendations, and/or develops an action plan on next steps to present to the Executive Director.
Involves the staff in planning and decision-making in order to accomplish the mission of the Special Education Division.
Nurtures and emphasizes communication between school districts, IU staff, parents, and the community, and establishes and maintains clear communications and cooperative working relationships with supervisors, customers, staff, and other departments. 600 Title: Director, Student Services and District Engagement (Continued)
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Advocates for the student services staff and students.
Builds and maintains rapport, both internally and externally, with a strong emphasis on LIU Supervisors, Special Education Directors, Superintendents, and District partners.
Keeps administrators, supervisors, teachers, and other staff informed of current trends and innovations for improving the quality of special education programs and gives leadership in promoting a climate for desirable change.
Understands the needs of constituent districts and enhances communication related to the education of students with disabilities.
Makes sound recommendations relative to personnel placements, transfers, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Collaborates with the Director of Human Resources regarding staff concerns, questions, problems, complaints, etc.
Coordinates the development and evaluation of the curriculum, instruction, and assessments used in the special education programs.
Assists in the development of school improvement plans and implementation of federal and state initiatives.
Provides professional learning opportunities to school district personnel, IU staff, parents, and others regarding state and federal laws and regulations, policies and procedures, instructional strategies, and other topics pertinent to special education.
Assists in planning, organizing, and conducting training, induction, in-service, and staff development activities, and develops training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the student services department
Encourages personal and professional growth and leadership among the staff.
Represents the Intermediate Unit at local, state, and regional meetings, activities, and committees (i.e., Board Meetings, Superintendent's Advisory Council).
Serves as a liaison to other agencies providing/governing services to all students with disabilities and maintains active participation with educational leaders at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Participates in professional organizations, serves on community boards, and interprets the objectives and programs of special education services to the Board of Directors, school districts, staff, and the public at large.
Works with school district administrators, supervisors, and staff to establish effective special education programs and related services.
Delegates, monitors, and evaluates activities/responsibilities necessary to administer the special education programs.
Develops, encourages, and supports the development of innovative instructional programs and obtains and uses evaluative findings to determine program effectiveness.
Evaluates and recommends improvement in the implementation of the special education instructional programs, as well as related services.
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Conceptualizes new ideas and approaches, integrates them into a coherent program, initiates cost -effective programs and services.
Studies, evaluates, and recommends materials, teaching aids, equipment, and programs to improve instruction.
Supervises other programs as assigned. DEPARTMENT/ORGANIZATION
Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset by leading with initiative, identifying innovative solutions, and implementing strategic improvements that enhance services, promote operational efficiency, and support the evolving needs of schools and communities.
Keeps current with related technology and developments that impact the department and the organization.
Makes decisions consistent with the LIU vision, mission, and core values. Establishes and maintains effective communication and positive relationships within the LIU and fosters the professional development of LIU staff.
Contributes to the effective team management of all issues and opportunities within the LIU by modeling the qualities of an LIU Team member (being versatile, ethical, transparent, team-oriented, innovative, transformative, and collaborative; valuing each team member; and understanding the importance of customer service).
Understands organizational development and change principles and applies these principles to promote improvement within the Department.
Performs other functions as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.
SCOPE AND IMPACT
This position works independently with all employees within the LIU and individuals and organizations outside the LIU.
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ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
By checking any of the boxes below, the LIU is indicating its reasonable belief that the identified physical/mental/ environmental requirements are job-related for this position and consistent with business necessity for the performance of the essential job functions. Notwithstanding, the LIU may not rely solely on these qualifications. Instead, the LIU must consider whether reasonable accommodations are available that will enable an otherwise qualified individual to perform the essential job functions.
Following Directions Full Understanding of Both Written and Verbal Instructions Required Understanding of Verbal Instructions Only Required Understanding of Written Instructions Only Required
Communication - English Excellent Verbal Communication Skills Necessary Basic Verbal Communication Skills Necessary Limited or No Verbal Communication Skills Necessary
Functional Reading - English Fluent Reading Recognition of Signs/Symbols Simple Reading No Reading Skills Required
Hearing Ability to Hear Required Limited Hearing Hearing Not Required
Seeing 20/20 Vision with Corrective Eyewear Limited Vision Vision Not Required
Functional Math Complex Computational Skills (Accounting and Financial Skills) Simple Computational Skills (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Percentages) Simple Counting Skills No Mathematical Skills Needed
Time Must Tell Time to the Minute Must Recognize Specific Times (Arrival, Departure, Breaks, Lunch)
Orientation (Familiarity with Surroundings) Several Blocks from Building Building Only Work Area Room Only
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Mobility Within the Building Mobility Within a Four-Block Radius Driving Required
Sitting 75% - 100% 50% - 75% 25% - 50% Less than 25%
Standing 75% - 100% 50% - 75% 25% - 50% Less than 25%
Bending Knees and Waist Waist Only Knees Only No Bending Required
Lifting Greater than 30 lbs. 10 - 30 lbs. Less than 10 lbs. No Lifting Required
Reaching Greater than 6 Feet 2 - 6 Feet Less than 2 Feet Reaching Required
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. This is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Employees will be expected to perform duties that do not appear on the job description. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet operational and organizational needs as necessary.
Adopted by LIU Board of Directors: June 7, 2022