Director of Student Services
The Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional Public School Districts are seeking a full time, permanent Director of Student Services, which includes serving as the Director of Special Education.   The Director supervises special education for all three school districts and ensures compliance with state and federal special education laws and regulations for students with disabilities ages 3 up to 22 to ensure students receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).  

 

The Director possesses insight and vision to lead systemic change, in partnership with stakeholders, that is focused on the equitable access, participation and benefit for students with disabilities; this includes the provision of evidenced based curriculum, instructional practices and intervention programs to meet the unique academic, social, emotional, behavioral, adaptive living, vocational and transition needs of a diverse student population.  The Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of special education services and programs provided through a continuum model within the least restrictive environment, and ensuring district and school level compliance with state and federal mandates around Special Education and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

 

Essential Job Functions and Skills include but are not limited to the following:

• Possesses highly effective communication skills, able to develop and enhance professional partnerships, and utilizes a collaborative problem solving approach that is student centered.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing effective, meaningful special education services and programs. 
• Provides leadership and vision to ensure continuous organizational development and improvement.
• Manages fiscal resources from District funds and special education grants, prepares budgets and directs spending, and monitors maintenance of effort, for the purpose of fiscal efficiency in providing required services.
• Prepares documentation and reports data to the Massachusetts Department of Education for the purpose of providing written support, conveying information, and complying with federal and state regulations.
• Collaborates effectively with students, families, school personnel and other stakeholders for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating educational services and/or programs.
• Develops proposals, new programs, budgets and grants for the purpose of meeting the District's goals and ensures students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).
• Provides programmatic oversight of specialized programs and the in-district approved, day school.
• Works in collaboration with the Superintendent of Schools and Building Administrators to 
• develop staffing levels for school special education programs for the purpose of providing services with fiscal efficiency,
• direct school personnel, for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established local, state and federal guidelines and regulations,
• provide clear and consistent high expectations for students and accountability guided by an inclusive philosophy,
• monitor the implementation of special education services including the use of data to evaluate the efficacy of special education programs and services,
• prepare documentation and report data for the purpose of providing written support, conveying information, and complying with Federal and State regulations,
• provide training to school district staff, including general education and special education on the requirements of special education, accommodating diverse learning needs, inclusion, discipline and bullying, de-escalation techniques and restraint regulations, and Section 504,
• investigate and respond to special education complaints, for the purpose of providing required services and compliance, 
• provide guidance and support to address discipline issues and bullying concerns, as it relates to students on IEPs, consistent with local, state and federal mandates,
• provide oversight of school based health services and compliance with the Department of Public Health requirements,
• support student safety and well being, school safety, mental health services, and response planning, 
• provide case consultation for specific student needs, review and approve IEPs, and address staff concerns and questions, 
• hire, evaluate, and retain qualified special education staff. 
• Develops and maintains partnerships with SEPAC, families/parents, community members, and other stakeholders in order to build awareness, share information and provide support.
• Supervises and evaluates administrators and district personnel including but not limited to: Student Services Administrator, Intensive Needs Administrator, Nurse Manager, Out of District Coordinator, BCBAs, and SSO Administrative Assistants.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or Doctoral degree in Special Education Administration or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working directly with students.
• Minimum of three (3) years working as a Director of Special Education or similar Educational Leadership experience.
• Massachusetts DESE Licensure as a Special Education Administrator.
• Mental health background, training, and experience is strongly preferred.