SUMMARY: The Director of Student Services is directly responsible to the Executive Director, or designee, and is charged with the planning, implementation, leadership, and administration of all assigned programs for students for whom the Intermediate Unit is responsible. To maintain the essential functions of this job, this is an in-person position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties may be assigned.
- Reports to the Executive Director, or designee, on all matters of significance and importance dealing with the operation of the Intermediate Unit’s Special Education Program.
- Administers the day-to-day operation of the Intermediate Unit’s Special Education Program and assumes responsibility for the development and implementation of new and improved procedures and programs.
- Maintains liaison with the Bureau of Special Education of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to ensure the greatest availability of professional advisory help, and state financial support, essential to the operation of a successful program.
- Works with the Superintendents and Special Education Coordinators of our member school districts to ensure a coordinated and effective Special Education program that is sufficient to meet the needs of exceptional children.
- Assists Human Resources Specialist and third-party staffing agency in the recruitment and selection of all professional and non-certificated personnel working in areas of direct services for students.
- Assumes responsibility for assignment and supervision of all professional and non-certificated personnel working in assigned programs, which could include direct supervision of personnel as needed and assigned.
- Administers the requisitions of essential supplies and equipment necessary for the operation of the students’ programs within assigned programs.
- Contribute to the development of the Special Education budget for the Intermediate Unit, the maintenance of adequate pupil records, and the preparation of all reports required by the State, the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors, and the Executive Director.
- Oversees and manages the contracting for professional services for the Division of Student Services and Special Education Program of Services; and collaborates with the business office for staffing, budgeting, and federally funded employee reporting as related to assigned programs.
- Oversees Office of Civil Rights (OCR) data collection on an ongoing basis and completes OCR data reporting as required. Oversees PVAAS roster verification and certifies/finalizes data when complete.
- Responsible for the oversight of management, professional development, and evaluation of assigned Program Supervisors in the Division of Student Services.
- Collaborates with the Director of Educational Planning to work with training and consultation (TaC) staff members and the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) on matters of in-service, conferences, curriculum development, and related areas of professional or program improvement, including ensuring the completion and implementation of the IU 17 new teacher Induction Plan.
- Evaluates on an ongoing basis, all student programs, curriculum, procedures, and individual students' needs and achievements.
- Interprets the objectives and programs of the student services to the Board, the administration, the staff, and the public at large.
- Provides representation from the Intermediate Unit at pertinent and necessary local, state, and national meetings for students with disabilities where feasible and consistent with available time and local intermediate unit demands.
- Informs the development of the Comprehensive Plan for Special Education and Services.
- Oversees the implementation and operation of all programs and direct services for students in Intermediate Unit 17.
- Maintain liaison with school districts in matters pertaining to local programs for exceptional children.
- Maintains ongoing review of all programs for exceptional children both from a fiscal and programmatic aspect.
- Assists in the acquisition of space necessary for conducting Student Program of Services, as appropriate.
- Coordinate the activities of the assigned supervisory staff, including the oversight of IU State assessment coordination; and the planning and coordination of all extended school year (ESY) services provided by the IU.
- Provide oversight to the designated non-public school administrator with the Bureau of Special Education to assure the greatest availability of professional advisory help, and state financial support, essential to the operation of a successful program, including the supervision/evaluation of all professional and non-certificated personnel providing Act 89 services.
- Assist in the preparation of the Intermediate Unit Board agenda in matters related to the business of student services.
- Serves on the Safe 2 Say Something (S2SS) crisis response team and threat assessment team on behalf of the IU.
- Serve as the School Safety and Security Coordinator for assigned programs; Coordinate and ensure compliance as related to safety and security regulations and policies for assigned programs.
- Attend and report, when required, at all regular and special board meetings of the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors.
- At the request of the Executive Director and on an as-needed basis, serve as a member of the administrative cabinet of Intermediate Unit 17 and utilize his/her knowledge and capabilities in any facet of Intermediate Unit operation.
- Serve as a liaison between the Intermediate Unit and the Division of Special Education in the Department of Education.
- Develop, communicate, and monitor the administration of policies and administrative regulations, as approved by the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors.
- Serve on the Right-to-Education Local Task Force for Intermediate Unit 17.
- Rate educator effectiveness for Special Education teachers who are employed by the Intermediate Unit.
- Ability to obtain and maintain QBS- Safety Care certifications or other de-escalation techniques and physical intervention training certification without restrictions, required by the Intermediate Unit
- Travel Requirements: Regular travel to various IU locations and customer sites is mandatory. This may include travel outside of BLaST IU17’s region and necessitates overnight stays, which will be covered by the employer as per company policy.
- Maintain a valid state driver’s license and ability to drive without advanced notice
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise assigned staff in the Division of Student Services and all other non-cabinet level staff as needed. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of professionals in their charge. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, or other degree or concentration deemed satisfactory by the Board of School Directors required.
- Superintendent Letter of Eligibility preferred.
- Five-Years Experience:
- May be in colleges, or public schools, or non-public schools. (some public-school experience preferred).
- At least three (3) years in the education of exceptional children as an administrator, psychologist, supervisor, or teacher.
- Experience as a special education administrator (or equivalent) is desirable.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Valid Teaching Certificate and certification as a Special Education supervisor; K-12 Principal/Administrative certification; related supervisory certification or ability to meet the requirements of a Provision Principal Certificate
(https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/PAEducators/Pages/PrincipalRequirements.aspx)with a commitment to gain a Principal Certificate in two years.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- Williamsport, PA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person