Special Education Coordinator

Special Education Coordinator

Under the general direction of the Superintendent, the Director of Special Services is responsible for overseeing the programs within the Special Services Department: Special Education, Title III, Gifted and Talented, School Nursing, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, Homebound, and Homeschool. The Director of Special Services is responsible for administering all programs as prescribed by state and federal requirements, ensuring appropriate and compliant staffing ratios, and implementing programs that provide appropriate services to student populations served by this position. This position reports directly to and is evaluated by the Superintendent.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, staff, and administer compliant Special Education, School Nursing, Gifted and Talented, English Language Learner programs, including training staff on district policies and procedures.
• Administer Section 504, FERPA, homebound, and homeschool programs in compliance with state and federal requirements, including training relevant district and sight level staff on district policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement district policies and procedures specific to the programs this position administers.
• Maintain, collect, and report all data required under state and federal program.
• Write, manage, and implement pertinent state and federal grants.
• Manage district level budgets for each program administered.
• Collect, maintain, and report required data elements for each program administered, as per program requirement.
• Provide professional development for all Special Services Staff working in programs administered, e.g., IEP, Section 504, GT, etc.
• Organize and provide professional development for District and Site Level Administrators specific to the implementation of state and federal program requirements.
• Work with all site administrators and School Improvement teams to create, implement and maintain effective Special Education, 504, Gifted & Talented and ESL programs.
• Attend and participate in all district level meetings; collaborate with district and site level staff to problem solve issues and concerns related to programs administered.
• Attend IEP/Section 504 meetings which may be contentious or litigious.

Qualifications for Employment:

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Title III, FERPA, and Section 504.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate activities/professional development for all special services staff.
• Demonstrate a high level of self-confidence, initiative, self-direction, and motivation.
• Demonstrated ability to work with parents, peers, and others.
• Ability to work on occasion, intermittently, throughout the summer.

Experience and Training:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in an area relevant to this position.
• Completed three years of successful teaching experience in special education programs and/or related services.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a Nevada teaching license issued by the Nevada Department of Education.
• Hold an endorsement in a special education area(s).

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods. Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, student work, and other materials. Some reaching for items above and below waist and head level. Some reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to access files, student work, and other items is necessary. The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer and other educational technology (LCD projector, Smart Board, iPads/Tablets, etc.) to enhance student learning. Involves hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Medium to heavy lifting (25 to 100 pounds) may occasionally be required. In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations. Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed under the following conditions: Position functions indoors in an office type environment where most work is performed at a desk. Position may occasionally be required to travel by car to pick up or deliver material. Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise, or odors. Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur.