JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in special education, leadership, administration, or supervision. Specialist or above desirable.

Certification or Licensure: Holds Georgia leadership certification, and teacher certification in special education or related field.

Skills: Detailed knowledge of federal laws/regulations and state rules applying to students with disabilities and of general and special education instructional programs within and out of Richmond County School System. Thorough knowledge of Georgia Performance Standards. Able to lead and organize assigned staff to provide technical support and assistance to schools. Ability to problem solve by addressing instructional and programmatic issues identified by administrators, parents, stakeholders, and community members at large. Demonstrated ability to accomplish short and long-range planning aimed at timely and effective delivery of services. Knowledge of budget development procedures. Excellent oral, and written communications and human relations skills. Knowledge of the Georgia School Code; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), (P.L. 108__446), the Americans with Disabilities Act; The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (S504); other legislation that impacts students with disabilities; and School Board Policy related to the education of students with disabilities.

Work Experience: At least five years of teaching and/or providing technical assistance serving students with disabilities across a range of ages and settings. Documented leadership and supervisory experience preferred.

PRIMARY DUTY:

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and administering the School-Based Special Education Services. Responsible for supervising the special education services for students with disabilities ages 3 through 21 to ensure the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Serves as the liaison between the Director of the Department of Special Education Services and school-based administrators, central office staff, school staff, parents, community, etc. on issues related to special education staffing and programming.
2.Work collaboratively with special education leadership staff, central office leadership, principals, teachers, and parents.

3.Directly and indirectly ensure there are appropriate assessment, placement, and compliance; and supervise the administration of special programs or schools.
4.Supervise internal or external resources providing services to students with disabilities in all program areas under Georgia State Rules.
5.Oversees the provision of a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment based on an individualized education program for each student with disabilities served. Improves instruction in schools through the provision of well-designed curriculum, high-quality instructional materials, and the identification of effective instructional practices, including implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards and Richmond County School System (RCSS) curriculum and special curricula.
6.Trains, guides, assists, and supervises general and special education staff with the implementation of effective instruction programs, policies, and procedures.
7.Increases support for effective school program implementation and improved classroom instruction through coordinated efforts with system-level and school-based administrators and specialists.
8.Achieves goals that may be outlined in various reports, strategic plans, or audits.
9.Establishes partnerships among general and special educators, parents, other government agencies, the community, and the business sector to promote the success of students with disabilities in all aspects of RCSS and the community.
10.Assures a high quality of support to schools and special centers, including the coordination, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of services.
11.Designs and administers continuing evaluation of the programs and services.
12.Coordinates programs for students with disabilities throughout RCSS.
13.Meets the requirements set by federal and state legislation for educating children and youth with disabilities.
14.Monitors the discipline of students with disabilities to ensure compliance with federal regulations on removals for students with disabilities.
15.Remains knowledgeable regarding ongoing and new program development.
16.Review recent literature and research studies and reports.
17.Evaluate findings and suggest changes or modifications to improve existing programs.
18.Keeps abreast of local, state, and national developments to affect changes in operation as necessitated by current changes in society, business, education, etc.
19.Communicates with staff and community and responds to concerns about the instructional programs, facilities plans, training programs, and budget.
20.Assists the curriculum and other instructional /assessment departments in conducting research and evaluation studies related to the instructional program.
21.Assists with communicating department progress and goals to stakeholders.
22.Coordinates Alternative Educational Services (AES) and hospital/homebound services.
23.Coordinates services for Students with Disabilities (SWD) assigned to facilities in Richmond County by the Department of Human Resources (DHR), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Department of Corrections (DOC).
24.Identifies professional learning needs, and plans and coordinates staff training programs designed to assist administrators and teachers in implementing instructional programs.
25.Participates in the recruitment, selection, assignment, observation, and evaluation of staff.

26.Assists and/or prepares an annual departmental operating budget with such supporting data as are necessary for clarification to the superintendent of schools and to the Board of Education.
27.Coordinates efforts to ensure that all students with disabilities have access to the general curriculum.
28.Monitors participation and progress of students with disabilities in state and local assessments.
29.Assists in the preparation of special reports.
30.The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned or required by such employee’s supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law board policy administrative regulation, department handbook, as are reasonably necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work extra hours and attend evening and weekend meetings as required. Assist with assessment of students.