POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Specialized Services is responsible for maintaining compliant and high-quality programming for all Specialized Services areas, including special education, English Language Learners (ELL), Guidance, and Health Services. Responsibilities also include oversight for services regulated under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. To accomplish these tasks, the Director of Specialized Services works closely with the community, staff, and administration of Maritime Academy Charter School.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Current PA Supervisor of Special Education PK-12 Certification required
• At least two years of experience in a special education supervisor role preferred
• Current FBI, PA Criminal, and PA Child Abuse clearances required
• A belief that all students should be held to high academic standards
• Commitment to urban education
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, teamwork and leadership skills
• High physical and emotional energy
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Overall responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating the effective delivery of all Specialized Services areas, including Special Education, ELL, Guidance, Health and all services related to Section 504/American Disabilities Act (ADA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Act
• Provide leadership, information and recommendations to assist the Board of Trustees in making prudent decisions regarding the operation and management of the Specialized Services programs
• Represent the school in contacts with local, state and federal agencies in matters pertaining to Special Education, ELL, Guidance, Health, Section 504/American Disabilities Act (ADA), and McKinney-Vento Homeless Act
• Review and approve referrals to special education, Section 504/American Disabilities Act (ADA), McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, and Homebound programs
• Ensure required paperwork is submitted in order for the school to receive reimbursement for all applicable related services that?are eligible for billing to Medicaid; pass Medicaid Fraud clearance
• Coordinate safe and efficient transportation for students served by the Specialized Services program
• Establish an optimum learning environment within the Specialized Services department
• Ensure that all Specialized Services programs and activities conform to federal, state and district guidelines
• Communicate effectively with all members of the Specialized Services department
• Supervise and evaluate all staff members of the Specialized Services department, including special education teachers and classroom assistants, ELL teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, and student health professionals
• Develop an atmosphere of respect, interest and enthusiasm within the Specialized Services department
• Recognize and encourage outstanding performance by staff members within the Specialized Services department
• Provide professional development and training to Specialized Services staff members, as needed
• Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques that target students within the Specialized Services areas
• Work collaboratively with the principal and other teachers to develop and revise curriculum based on assessment data
• Attend professional development activities
• Attend or sponsor evening and/or weekend school events throughout the year, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Responsibilities specific to Special Education include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain all special education documentation (IEP’s, Evals/Re-evals, NOREPs, etc.) and all special education data (PowerSchool, Infinite Campus, Compass, IDEA, etc.) to ensure compliance with all State and Federal Regulations
• Facilitate and participate in the review of outside IEP’s, Evals/Re-evals, NOREPs, etc. to assure proper services are being considered by the MDE
• Ensure all outside evaluations are placed into the PowerSchool student information system
• Provide professional development to special education and regular education teachers in best practices in the areas of special education
• Oversee the ESY eligibility process, as well as the implementation and management of the school’s ESY program
• Consult with parents, teachers and administrators in matters pertaining to special education students
• Communicate with APS’s and maintain records and attend IEP meetings of students attending an APS
• Communicate with outside agencies regarding related services
• Complete required reports, documentation, and forms
• Attend IEP meetings, as needed