Special Programs & Services Director

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

SUMMARY: The Special Programs and Services Director provides leadership to school districts, staff, students and families toward the improvement of student outcomes with a primary focus upon students with disabilities.   This is accomplished through direct support, leadership and technical assistance to schools and families, provision of staff development programs, representation for NW ESD 189 districts/families on regional/state committees and supervision and development of NW ESD 189 special services cooperative programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directly supervises staff which includes scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, training, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, recommending salary adjustments, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Performs agency-related activities and department supervision. Attends, assists with the coordination and provides input at Cabinet, curriculum, and other department meetings. Performs fiscal management tasks including significant detailed budget preparation and management, authorizing purchase orders and contracts, time and effort reporting, and grant administration. In the absence of program managers, provides individual departmental oversight in fiscal, personnel, and general representation. Provides leadership and in-house coordination for Coordinated Services Agreement (CSA) activities and programs to insure that the goals of the CSA are fulfilled.
• Anticipates needed services and researches revenue resources.
• Pursues ongoing professional development by attending conferences, reading and performing extensive research.
• Provides leadership and technical assistance to LEA’s, other related agencies, and the community by responding to administrative, fiscal and procedural questions regarding the provision of special education services, disseminates relevant documents and resource materials to constituents, and serves as a primary resource for information regarding federal and state laws pertaining to disability issues.
• Provides LEA’s links to other service providers. Performs program review and other qualitative reviews for LEA’s.
• Develops and/or conducts staff development training for LEA’s, other related agencies and families. Provides training as requested by LEA’s and others. Develops and conducts college credit courses year-round for continuing education needs. Arranges for the provision of a staff development program consisting of workshops, courses and conferences to meet the staff development needs of LEA’s and the community.
• Serves and coordinates with other agencies on issues related to special education as a representative for Northwest ESD 189 and LEA’s. Meets and serves on committees to further the services of students with disabilities, represents special education and ESD 189 with professional groups. Serves with job-alike colleagues on committees/task forces to implement the Coordinated Service Agreement with OSPI.

QUALIFICATIONS: Masters Degree in Special Education or related field. A minimum of five years documented successful employment in a public school special education setting required, or ESA employment. A minimum of three years experience in educational administration required. Administrative credential preferred. Counseling or school psychology credential highly desirable, and a minimum of five years experience in administration of special education programs required. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Administrative or Principal credential preferred. Valid Washington State drivers license.

Requires knowledge of:

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description.
• Special education laws, including state and federal statutes and regulations at an expert level. An ability to interpret, implement, and communicate such.
• Special Education/Special Programs Administration and the application of such in school administrative practices and fiscal management.
• Agency, state, and federal requirements and time lines. Ability to project anticipated costs for school districts.
• Educational Service District goals and objectives and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• State and federal regulations for basic and special education, applicability of these regulations and appropriate methods of communication of same.
• The body of special education history, movements, research and future direction.
• Effective leadership and supervisory techniques. Knowledge of various models and research findings.
• Effective teaching and supervisory techniques and demonstrated use of such.
• Employment law related to hiring temporary employees in an educational establishment.
• Computer hardware and software programs and applications specific to the educational environment.
• Special Education systems, issues and trends.
• Organizational development, task management, planning and facilitation skills.

Requires the ability to:

• Work with groups and identify relevant and meaningful outcomes and pursue them to completion.
• Secure funding for innovative programs at an expert level.
• Perform skilled technical writing with effective outcomes.
• Delegate and monitor operations of many remote sites.
• Administer and monitor personnel policies and procedures for a large itinerant staff over a wide geographical area.
• Anticipate program needs and services desired by LEA’s. Ability to develop cooperative programs and services based upon the needs of students and districts.
• Motivate, direct, mentor, and lead department staff members.
• Organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Oversee the program budgets and operations in an effective manner.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other NWESD 189 departments, school district staff and administrators, OSPI/ESD staff, professional organization members, governmental and other community service entities, and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed approximately 75% in an office environment and approximately 25% traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 50 pounds.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Potential hazards are present bases on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, and varied road conditions.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.