Director of Special Education & Specialized Supports - Compliance

Job Title: Director of Special Education Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

& Specialized Supports - Compliance

Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education Pay Grade: 7 and Specialized Support

Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date: May 2024

District Primary Purpose

To lead and elevate La Joya ISD by championing a rigorous and innovative PK-12 Special Education program, thereby enhancing student success and achievement at all levels. This position requires a student-centered advocate for students with specialized needs and willing to create systems and structures to ensure that all students are provided both Free and Appropriate Public Education access, as well as an opportunity to thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment in alignment with the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

Department Primary Purpose

To ensure the LJISD priority of teaching and learning excellence in PK-12 Special Education. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Special Education, this position leads an intentional strategy to promote every student’s success, ensuring equitable access to high-quality services while providing direction to drive toward the achievement of the district’s goals. This position specifically focuses on providing expert guidance related to interpreting and applying federal, state, and local laws, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to special education. This role will directly oversee all Specialized Services staff that have direct impact on the creation of Full Individual Initial Evaluations and Individualized Education Plans, as well as ensuring that the highest quality IEPs are developed and implemented on behalf of students with special needs.

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or directly related field;
• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational leadership, or directly related field preferred;
• Valid Texas Special Education EC-12 Certification;
• Valid Texas Mid-Management or Principal Certification preferred.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of Special Education law and a thorough understanding of local, state and federal regulations.
• Minimum of 5-years successful experience teaching and/or leading PK-12 Special Education including campus-level leadership experience working to improve special education student outcomes; district-level experience preferred.
• Experience with supporting program design, development, implementation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience of managing and monitoring large numbers of employees including diagnosticians, licensed specialized in school psychology, speech and language pathologists, social workers, and related specialized services staff
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring special education compliance and creating systems and structures of all special education compliance areas
• Demonstrated knowledge in working with campus-based staff to ensuring that multi-tiered systems of support are implemented with fidelity and that referral processes are adhered to within the legal bounds of IDEA
• Knowledge of program, curricular, and assessment requirements in Texas public schools PK-12.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in interpreting and implementing complex legal documents.
• Experience with designing and delivering professional learning for adult learners (teachers, administrators, central office staff).
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines while giving great attention to detail.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills to work effectively with educators, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing with people at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusivity, and diversity in education.
  
  

Major Responsibilities And Duties

• Develop and oversee a compliance framework of Special Education and specialized support programs, attend training, and stay abreast of latest changes.
• Communicate requirements of the Special Education program, FIIE assessments, IEP development and implementation, and do on-going audits of special education services and 504 records and IEPs to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Serve as the district's liaison to state and federal oversight agencies on matters related to Special Education compliance.
• Provide leadership and guidance on the implementation of policies and procedures that enhance service delivery while maintaining legal compliance.
• Collaborate with district and campus-based administrators to foster an understanding of Special Education regulations and their practical implications.
• Facilitate professional development sessions on Special Education law for district staff to ensure widespread understanding and adherence.
• Oversee and monitor all specialized services staff and employees including all members of department in relationship to FIIE and IEP development
• Complete all required documentation related to IDEA implementation on behalf of the District
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position will directly supervise all members of the special education staff that have direct impact on the Full and Individual Initial Evaluations and Individual Education Plan creation and implementation in collaboration with campus leadership

Working Conditions

Physical Demands:

Typical demands of an executive office environment, including extensive computer use and district-wide travel for meetings and events.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with regular interaction with district staff, educators, students, families, and community members. Campus visits will be required as needed and as a part of ensuring program implementation with fidelity and monitoring of service delivery models. Attendance at evening or weekend events may be required.

Position Working Days

226 Days

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.