Description
The Special Services Director provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for the district’s special education and related services programs in compliance with federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) requirements.
The director works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, related service providers, families, and community agencies to ensure high-quality educational programming and equitable access for students receiving special education services from preschool through age 22. The director is responsible for program development, staff supervision, compliance monitoring, fiscal management, and supporting positive student outcomes across all special services programs.
The ideal candidate is an innovative and organized leader who values relationships, communicates effectively, and balances program development with strong compliance and accountability systems. In the Ephrata School District, we believe that students are extraordinary. Education is about KIDS and their LEARNING, and we are committed to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and has a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
Requirements
Program Leadership & Oversight:
- Provide leadership and direction for all district special education and related services programs.
- Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Washington State regulations, district policies, and procedural safeguards.
- Develop, implement, monitor, and continuously improve district-wide special education procedures and practices.
- Lead efforts to improve student achievement, inclusionary practices, behavioral supports, transition services, and post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Coordinate and oversee special education evaluations, eligibility determinations, IEP implementation, and service delivery.
- Support Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), inclusive educational practices, and positive behavioral intervention systems.
- Collaborate with building administrators to ensure special education programming aligns with school improvement goals and district priorities.
- Support coordination of alternative placements and services when appropriate for student needs.
Staff Supervision & Support:
- Supervise and evaluate certificated and classified special services staff, including special education teachers, paraeducators, psychologists, related service providers, behavior specialists, and office personnel as assigned.
- Assist with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and retention of qualified staff.
- Coordinate staffing assignments and program support based on student and program needs.
- Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth, compliance, and instructional effectiveness.
- Facilitate regular special services staff meetings and training opportunities.
- Support staff in implementing IEPs, behavior intervention plans, accommodations, and evidence-based instructional practices.
Compliance & Program Accountability:
- Monitor district compliance related to evaluations, timelines, IEP implementation, discipline procedures, Medicaid billing, safety net applications, and state and federal reporting requirements.
- Oversee corrective action plans and district responses related to complaints, audits, due process hearings, and monitoring activities.
- Ensure accurate maintenance of student records and confidential information in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Collaborate with administrators and staff regarding manifestation determinations, disciplinary actions, placement decisions, and parent concerns.
- Coordinate and supervise the district’s response to special education hearings, complaints, and legal procedures.
- Serve as the district liaison to OSPI, ESDs, and the Office for Civil Rights regarding special education and Section 504 matters.
Fiscal & Resource Management:
- Develop and manage the special services budget in collaboration with district leadership and the business office.
- Monitor expenditures, staffing allocations, grants, Medicaid reimbursement, and state/federal funding sources.
- Complete and oversee IDEA grants, Safety Net applications, and other required funding processes.
- Coordinate inter-district contracts and agreements with agencies and service providers.
- Ensure efficient allocation of resources to support student needs and district priorities.
Family & Community Engagement:
- Promote positive relationships and communication with families and guardians.
- Facilitate resolution of concerns and conflicts in a collaborative and professional manner.
- Coordinate with outside agencies, contractors, and community partners to support student services.
- Promote understanding of district special services programs within the school community and public.
- Represent the district in meetings with families, community organizations, ESDs, OSPI, and state agencies.
Operational Leadership:
- Participate and contribute as a member of the district administrative team.
- Attend school board meetings and provide reports and recommendations as requested.
- Maintain knowledge of current laws, regulations, research, and best practices related to special education and student services.
- Maintain systems for organization, reporting, and program oversight.
Desired Leadership Characteristics:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Sound judgment and effective decision-making
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships
- Professionalism and integrity in all interactions
- Reflective and growth-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities
- Commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement
- Ability to follow through on commitments and solve problems effectively
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
- Ability to remain calm and effective in conflict or crisis situations
