Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Looking for Exceptional Education Director at Scottsdale, AZ Full Time

Definition

Under general supervision from the Assistant Superintendent, the Exceptional Education Director plans, directs, and administers special education programs within the SRPMIC-Education Division. Directs the instructional and curriculum services for special populations (Pre-K – 12th grade). Plans, directs and administers K-12 guidance, counseling and student service/prevention programs. Works with Division leadership, principals and teachers to identify and assess student needs. Develops and implements programs designed to improve student achievement for Exceptional Education Students. Manages, coordinates and supports all student assignment activities and Community Services for all students.

Primary Job Functions:Primary functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities among other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

Planning & Implementation

• Collaborates with others (e.g. Chief Academic Officer, teachers, principals, other professional staff, parent groups, community organizations, public agencies, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and maintaining quality support services that are aligned with established SRPMIC Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Community schools goals.
• Consults with the systems administrators and special education/general education staff to establish plans for maintaining existing programs and implementing new services in accordance with measurable criteria, established timeframes, professional standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provides principals with current research-based models for use in identification of exceptional education students and for intervention to improve academic progress.
• Manages programs and/or services to achieve measurable outcomes in relation to program objectives, and ensures conformance with legal, financial and regulatory requirements, compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and grant funded program requirements.
• Plans, implements and evaluates instructional programs. Works with appropriate staff to develop, maintain and revise special programs based on systematic review and analysis.
• Collaborates in the development of department strategic and tactical plans. Develops and oversees federal and local budgets.
• Manages resource allocations and curriculum enhancements based on needs assessment.

Leadership

• Exercises proactive leadership in promoting the vision and mission of SRPMIC Community Schools.
• Provides leadership for a collaborative team to ensure that initiatives are student focused and aligned with the Community Schools mission, values, goals and improvement plans.
• Oversees Exceptional Education program design.
• Manages and works with staff to identify students who are not making adequate academic progress and oversees the designs of appropriate interventions.
• Researches parent and staff concerns, counsels then on program content, their obligations and responsibilities, and negotiates solutions.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensures SRPMIC-ED 504 compliance and maintains current information for dissemination about the Office of Civil Rights 504 Policy.
• Reports on the status of all Student Support Services programs.
• Researches information required for program management (e.g. relevant policies, new federal and state statutory regulations, staffing requirements, financial resources, etc.) to develop new programs/services, ensure program compliance with relevant federal and state requirements for Special Education, present and/or respond to requests for information.
• Assists with interpreting the exceptional education program to the Education Board, administration, staff, and the SRPMIC Community.
• Shares information with Division staff and affiliates.

Communication

• Maintains a close working relationship with Community Schools system and school administrators to ensure information exchange, coordination of efforts, and general support for the decision-making process.
• Works closely with Community Schools system and school administrators to support school improvement initiatives and processes.
• Serves as liaison between the Arizona Department of Education and the Community Schools instructional staff in communicating and planning educational services for students including the program requirements in state statutes, Arizona Department of Education rules and regulations, and mandated federal programs.
• Maintains communication with other agencies and school districts to share and receive information on effective programs and practices.
• Provides oversight and direction for cooperative planning with other agencies.
• Assists in interpreting programs, policies, and philosophy of SRPMIC Community Schools to staff, students, and community.

Professional Development

• Provides technical expertise and information regarding formulation and development of policies, procedures, and grant funded programs as needed.
• Plans and directs professional development to staff in collaboration with appropriate personnel to meet the needs of exceptional and special-needs population students and to provide leadership on guidance, counseling and student service/prevention programs.

General

• Represents SRPMIC-ED as the Divisions advocate for children and for the well-being of all children who are gifted or disabled, and for parent and community involvement.
• Serves as the informal hearing officer for parents who request mediation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of:

• Special needs of children in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
• National, state and local educational goals and objectives
• Statutory and regulatory requirements in area of responsibility including national, state and local education standards and guidelines including the Bureau of Indian Education, Head Start, Arizona Department of Education and other applicable standards
• Learning theory, curriculum and assessment, special education program planning, and management of instructional programs

Skilled in:

• Development and implementation of special education programming through the coordinated work of education professionals
• Written and oral communication, planning and organization
• Leading teams and workgroups of educational professionals
• Use of educational goal achievement data to evaluation programs
• Interpreting and implementing state and federal laws related to special education
• Use of education application software and Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to:

• Plan and present information to a variety of audiences
• Interact effectively with novice and veteran teachers, parents, and administrators
• Facilitate various size groups using facilitative leadership skills
• Work collaboratively with others
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Develop and present materials to staff and parents including training materials, brochures, posters, newsletters, and status reports
• Maintain accurate records for accountability of special education related program activities
• Follow oral and written instructions, policies and procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including computers, printers, multi-media projectors, scanners, DVD, camcorder, tape recorder, and audio devices
• Use personal computer application software (MS Office Suite and special education databases) in preparing timely program reports, records, files, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and experience:Masters Degree from accredited college or university in Education, Management or closely related field. Doctorate in related field preferred.

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education administration.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience developing and managing complex budgets.
• A minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience at the elementary, middle or high school level.

Equivalency – Any equivalent combination of training and experience to equal the educational requirement that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filing the position.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.