Primary Purpose:

Coordinates the district’s special services program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students take place. Work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification: Master’s degree; Texas Mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to coordinate district function

Experience:

Five years teaching experience in special education

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinator special education programs and services to meet students’ needs.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education program more effective.
• Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
• Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
• Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
• Coordinate the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
• Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district wide.
• Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
• Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Assist in identification of and providing services for 504 dyslexic students.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
• Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
• Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required
• Complete and file federal funds applications and reports.
• Approve and forward purchase orders for special education department to accounting department.
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special education area.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment Used:

Personal or laptop computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, telephone, electronic mobile devices, projector, and video display monitor

Working Conditions

Physical Demands /Mental Demands/ Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail. There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.  Regularly perform multiple, highly complex, tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions and compliance with legal guideline. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances and integrating into different school environments. Occasionally work prolonged and irregular hours. Predictable and regular attendance expected.